Philadelphia Eagles: What’s the plan for Nigel Bradham?
Two of the major concerns heading into the off-season will be what happens with the Philadelphia Eagles’ impending free agent picture and what they do they do with Nigel Bradham.
Perhaps the most obvious hurdle that every NFL team faces in the off-season is contract negotiations. For the Philadelphia Eagles, this will also be true once the NFL Combine ends and as we move further into the 2018 off-season. Quite a few of the important cogs from the 2017 season’s Super Bowl run are the subject of conversation. In the case of linebacker Nigel Bradham, the thought process of just about everyone is this is one of the guys the Eagles have to get a deal done with.
Back in November, Philly.com‘s Jeff McLane discussed the importance of getting an extension done. This, while the NFL season was still in full swing. His past season in Philly produced 103 combined tackles, two sacks, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery while only missing one regular season game. In 2016, he had another 102 combined tackles, two sacks and an interception. His value grew even more when starting middle linebacker Jordan Hicks went down with an injury. It was then, that Bradham assumed the responsibility of calling the defensive plays.
Philadelphia Eagles
He’s been key to the Eagles success over the past two seasons, but there’s just one issue. He isn’t signed for the 2018 season. That’s an important detail, and when you add that to the fact that Najee Goode and Dannell Ellerbe may not be re-signed, that will, no doubt, be one of the focal points as Philly moves into the off-season.
What do we do now?
Bradham is, no doubt, looking to cash in. He describes the two-year $7 million deal he signed on March 9th of 2016 as ‘a decent deal’, and he once said he doesn’t think about how much money he’s making, but no one would blame him if he did. Being drafted 105th overall in 2012 cost him a few dollars on his initial NFL contract.
With minimal money to spend, most don’t expect the Eagles to be huge players in the free agent market. Most believe that guys like wide receiver Torrey Smith, running back LeGarrette Blount and tight end Trey Burton will be allowed to walk, and that will allow Philly the necessary cap space to sign Nigel Bradham to a long-term deal. Others believe the Eagles may compensate by adding an inexpensive free agent or two.
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Still, this is executive vice president of football operations Howie Roseman’s department. If we haven’t learned anything yet, we’ve learned two things. One, Roseman is a whiz at this, and second, expect the unexpected.
Even with all of that said, Eagles fans everywhere have their fingers crossed. This is the deal that most are hoping gets done.