Eagles training camp has finally kicked off and the fireworks were on full display. From the arrival of Saquon Barkley to the excitement of the rookies on the display. However, there was one set of fireworks that exploded much louder than the rest. That is the set belonging to James Bradberry.
Bradberry was a free agent last offseason and decided to re-sign with Philadelphia for a three-year deal worth $38 million. That was a big move for the Eagles who rewarded Bradberry for his outstanding play in his first year with the team.
Unfortunately, Bradberry’s second season in Philly did not go as planned. The veteran CB faltered and was a key component in a secondary that just looked so out of sync last season. The secondary allowed 35 passing touchdowns last season and Bradberry was responsible for 11 of them. Which is insane to think of as he only allowed two in 2022 with the Eagles.
His fall from grace was one that not many saw coming but after the way the 2022 season ended, it now seems as if it was inevitable. From Deebo Samuel calling James Bradberry “trash” to Bradberry being called for holding on the deciding play of Super Bowl LVII. Things were starting to pile up for the veteran cornerback and a big payday was not going to solve that.
A curious case for the Eagles…
Now I do understand that the lack of safety depth could’ve played a big factor in Bradberry’s shortcomings last season but it seems like the Eagles are not willing to bet on that like I am. It was reported that Bradberry was playing safety for the Eagles’ second team during Wednesday’s practice and it’s something that was previously mentioned as a possibility by the coaching staff.
It could make sense to move him into the safety group due to the amount of depth and talent that is currently ahead of him in the cornerback room but it doesn’t seem likely that James Bradberry will be with the team when the season begins. The Eagles could be finding ways to expand Bradberry’s market by making him into versatile piece for his next team.
We’ve seen this play out time and time again with the Eagles. If there is someone on the roster bubble, Howie Roseman always finds a way to have them moved for a valuable draft pick at the expense of the receiving team needed the player for their needs.
Philadelphia moved on from Sam Bradford after drafting Carson Wentz. They were able to retrieve a first and fourth-round pick in the move which then catapulted Wentz to being their starting QB. Now, I’m not saying that this will be the compensation for the veteran cornerback but I wouldn’t be surprised if Roseman can retrieve a fifth or sixth-round pick for Bradberry which would also help them save more money in their cap. Keep an eye out on a team like the Rams or even Raiders.
One way or another, the Eagles seem to have their mind set on moving on from James Bradberry. While he did play very well in 2022, Philadelphia was fortunate enough to draft three good young cornerbacks over the last two years and could be better off as opposed to better than when it comes to Bradberry’s services.
AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson
