The Philadelphia Eagles have confirmed that James Bradberry will remain on their 53-man roster, a decision that underscores their confidence in his adaptability and experience. As the new season dawns, Bradberry, traditionally recognized for his role as a cornerback, has shifted gears, transitioning to the safety position during the offseason—a move that could potentially redefine his career trajectory.
Bradberry's NFL journey spans nine years, a stretch during which he primarily excelled as a cornerback. His performance has been noteworthy, evidenced by last season's statistics where opposing quarterbacks managed to complete only 56% of their passes when targeting him. Despite conceding 689 yards and nine touchdowns, Bradberry's defensive efficacy was reflected in his passer rating of 87.1 and his contributions of one interception and 13 pass breakups.
Versatility and Commitment
At 31 years old, Bradberry is navigating the latter part of his professional career with a clear emphasis on adaptability. "I try to be adaptable. I'm on the team right now, so while I'm on the team I want to find a role on this team, and I feel like if I'm a versatile player then I'm going to have a role," he stated at the Eagles' training camp. His commitment to fitting into the team's scheme is further illustrated by his willingness to train and potentially start at safety. "Of course I want to start. Now, where I'm going to start? I don't know, but I'm working right now at safety to see if I can learn it and play that and be a valuable asset to the team right there," Bradberry added.
The Road to Retention
Speculation around Bradberry's future with the Eagles was rife earlier in the offseason. The team explored various trade options, with the Tennessee Titans emerging as a potential destination. However, no trade materialized, and parting ways with Bradberry would have led to a substantial $4.305 million dead cap hit for the Eagles—a financial consideration that likely influenced their decision to retain him.
Preseason Performance
Throughout the preseason, Bradberry was spotted playing with the second-team defense, lining up behind Reed Blankenship, C.J. Gardner-Johnson, and Avonte Maddox. This positioning allowed him to integrate into his new role further, while the coaching staff observed his fit within various defensive schemes. Notably, Bradberry and fellow defender Tristin McCollum both survived the final roster cuts, affirming their place on the team.
Financial Commitment
Bradberry's professional value to the Eagles is indisputable, especially considering the three-year, $38 million contract he secured following his All-Pro season. This significant investment highlights the team's belief in his capabilities and potential impact on their defensive squad, not just as a cornerback, but now also in the safety position.
The Philadelphia Eagles' decision to retain James Bradberry and his ongoing transition to safety illustrates a fascinating chapter in both player and team dynamics. As Bradberry steps into this new role, his experience and proven track record will undoubtedly play a crucial role in the Eagles' defensive strategies this season.