NFL Free Agency Primer: James Bradberry

The regular season has come to a close, and most teams have already begun the complicated process of preparing for the 2023 season. In the coming months, we'll be covering the impending free agents most capable of shifting the balance of power in the NFL.

The Player: James Bradberry

One of the stars of the Philadelphia Eagles' dominant pass defense, James Bradberry is ready to cash in after an exceptional regular season. The 2022 second-team All-Pro nabbed three interceptions and broke up 17 passes for an Eagles unit that allowed the fewest passing yards in the league and the fewest net passing yards per attempt. More importantly, Bradberry allowed a personal-best 51.6 passer rating on throws in his direction. He isn't quite a superstar at cornerback, but he has certainly proven himself a reliable starter on the outside.

The Fit:

Everyone needs a cornerback of Bradberry's calibre. He excelled this year opposite five-time Pro Bowl cornerback Darius Slay, and a team with an equivalent talent could probably expect similar results. Unfortunately, defensive backs of that level are in short supply. The Eagles thrived with Bradberry, and they should do their best to hold onto him, but he would make sense for any team with cap space to spare whose pass defense kept them from contention in 2022.

The Cost:

Bradberry played in 2022 on a one-year, $7.5 million deal, and the Eagles may not be able to justify placing an $18.14 franchise tag on him in free agency; per overthecap, they only have approximately $8 million in cap space and have an extension with quarterback Jalen Hurts looming, not to mention several other players hitting free agency. If he hits the open market, Bradberry should land a deal in the range of last year's top free-agent cornerback J.C. Jackson (five years, $82.5 million). 
Photo Credit: © Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports