It seems as if James Bradberry has gone quietly under the radar ever since the Super Bowl loss. Sure, he was holding JuJu but let’s be honest, you don’t call that in a pivotal moment of the game unless you’re a Chiefs fan…
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Much is being made about the Eagles potentially losing both Javon Hargrave and C.J. Gardner-Johnson but what about the other defensive player who resurrected his career in Philly last season?
Anyways, James Bradberry had a stellar outing with the Eagles this season. He was part of the reason why the team had the best pass defense in the league. While lining up across from Darius Slay helped greatly, Bradberry did more than just hold his own during crucial moments in the season but he wasn’t flawless.
Although there were moments where Bradberry was beaten then was saved by the inaccuracy of opposing QBs, he made a name for himself once again during the incredible run to the Super Bowl. James Bradberry had 17 pass deflections, 3 interceptions, and allowed a passer rating of only 51.6 against him. He also only allowed a completion percentage of 45% against him which was phenomenal.
Eagles and James Bradberry better off without each other?
The cool, calm, and collected cornerback found his way back into Gannon’s system but does he fit the mold for Sean Desai? It’s fair to say that Bradberry may be better off elsewhere for two reasons. He will earn more money on a different team but he also has the chance to find a scheme that fits him.
Desai’s scheme may require a more agile and young corner that is already accustomed to the scheme and can be molded into fitting it. While bringing back James Bradberry would be great, there isn’t a guarantee that it will work in his or the Eagles’ favor going forward.
On the other hand…
The only caveat to this is that depth at the CB position is already limited to developmental corners. This is why having both Darius Slay and James Bradberry last year was so important as it allowed young prospects to develop under two very solid DB’s and away from the spotlight.
If the Eagles lose both players this offseason, it’s going to take some doing to find a pair of players who can replicate their production on the field. Sure, we could see Josh Jobe or Mario Goodrich in starting roles, and there is the prospect of a certain Christian Gonzalez playing his ball in midnight green next year. But with cap space already limited, finding a free-agent fit might not be as easy as we might think.
Howie Roseman has to be savvy here. If he is able to correctly gauge the CB market and sign James Bradberry to a deal that still gives him flexibility to retain other key names, it’s a move he should absolutely make in order to keep stability at the position. If he can’t he has to be clinical enough to cut the cord and be okay with the fact that the position mgiht take a step back for a year or two, and that will be absolutely okay in the long-term so long as they continue to invest in the position through the Draft.
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