When the Philadelphia Eagles selected cornerbacks Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean with their first two picks, the writing appeared to be on the wall for James Bradberry. The 2022 All-Pro has not attended any optional OTAs this month.
The Philadelphia Eagles are expected to part with an All-Pro
Bradberry is a favorite candidate among NFL analysts to be dealt or released after June 1. According to Alex Ballentine of Bleacher Report, the Eagles may consider trading him following a poor 2023 season:
“James Bradberry’s career in Philadelphia took a turn for the worst in 2023.
The 30-year-old cover man had one of his best seasons when he joined in 2022. However, he was the epitome of the Eagles’ collapse in the season’s closing stretch last year. He was charged with 11 touchdowns in coverage and a passer rating of 114.3 after allowing 51.6.
Bradberry’s startling decline was most likely caused by a change in defensive coordinator, a less effective pass rush, and just becoming older. Corner is a volatile position by nature, and he’s approaching the age when many players slow down.”
The Arizona Cardinals might have interest in James Bradberry
Ballentine believes the Eagles may have to eat some of Bradberry’s money to close the transaction. They believe that the Arizona Cardinals would be interested in dealing for Bradberry since head coach Jonathan Gannon is familiar with the cornerback’s All-Pro talents.
The Eagles’ decision to double-dip on the defensive backfield with their first two draft picks reveals a lot about their feelings about Bradberry.
“Finding a trade partner could be tough. The team that accepts his contract would be doing the Eagles a huge favor. Given Bradberry’s performance and the value he would bring to the Eagles, an NBA-style deal in which the Eagles effectively pay someone to remove him from their roster may be required.
The Cardinals are uniquely qualified to take advantage of this opportunity. General manager Monti Ossenfort clearly enjoys working the phones, Gannon has coaching experience, and the team has $22.1 million in cap space.
The Eagles would effectively give Bradberry away at a cost. If they cut him, they’d have to pay him, thus this is the best offer they can get for a vital player of the 2022 NFC Championship team.
It’s incredible how one season can depreciate a player’s value.
The Eagles’ best chance could be to keep him for depth and hope he can turn things around for the 2024 season.
