After a week or two of battling salary cap constraints, the Eagles have once again shocked the world. This time, it comes in the way of re-signing linebacker Nigel Bradham to a five-year deal. Originally signed in 2016, Bradham rapidly became one of the defenses key playmakers and losing him was not only an expectation, but he’s a talent the team would have struggled to replace.
With 428 career tackles, 6.4 sacks, 5 forced fumbles, 2 picks and 25 passes defensed, his production only elevated during his first sting in Philadelphia. The former fourth round pick actually leads all Eagles linebackers with 184 tackles, finishing third on defense in 2017 with 85.
In 2017, Bradham finished third on Philadelphia’s defense with 85 tackles and added one sack, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery returned for a touchdown and eight passes defensed in 15 regular-season games (all starts). During the team’s Super Bowl LII-winning postseason run, Bradham recorded 12 tackles, one sack and one pass defensed in three contests.
So why does this signing matter? Jordan Hicks has completed just one NFL season without sustaining a season-ending injury and outside of Mychal Kendricks, whose future has been called into question frequently over the last few years and despite his sudden resurgence, he won’t be around forever.
The signing doesn’t just insure the Eagles have a key playmaker at linebacker for the next five years, but it creates defensive sustenance. With Jernigan, Cox and Barnett all having long-term security ahead of him, the defense is pinning a franchise talent at each position working from the ball out. Sidney Jones could well be just that in the secondary too.
“Nigel plays with tremendous energy and fire and has made a number of impact plays for us at the linebacker position.” The Eagles said via a press release. “Keeping him here was a priority of ours and we are looking forward to his future here in Philadelphia.”
Bradham not only stepped up to the plate when Hicks went down to help carry the load, but he elevated himself to one of the most efficient coverage linebackers in the NFL. Whether it was his third-down sack on Matt Ryan that helped push the Eagles offense back down the field in the playoffs, or his forced fumble in week 14, Bradham was a force to be reckoned with and a huge reason behind the Eagles new found success against the run.
Losing Bradham would not only have stung the Eagles defense from a production perspective, but also from one of depth. The Eagles don’t have any other options aside from Joe Walker, Kamu Grugier-Hill or Najee Goode (all perennial special teamers) who could make the jump up to a starting role and dominate in the way Bradham did.
This move was thought to be a little too much to hope for. The price a little too steep and the market a little too competitive. But one year after two arrests, Nigel Bradham has found solace in the City of Brotherly Love and has pushed the linebacker corps to a completely new level. But if there are two things we’ve come to expect from Howie Roseman, it’s the unexpected and the brilliant. This move was both.
Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
