Possible post-draft additions the Philadelphia Eagles need to consider
By Ryan Loftus
31. . . . James Bradberry, possible release? . . player
The Eagles could look to acquire this Pro Bowl cornerback who is likely to get released by his team.
If you told an Eagles fan, ahead of the 2022 NFL Draft, that their team would enter the selection meeting with ten picks and wouldn’t have addressed the cornerback position at any point of the process, they probably would have called you crazy.
Many thought they would have added a cover guy in Round 1, so walking away from the draft with no answer is shocking. The Birds did sign Josh Blackwell (Duke), Mario Goodrich (Clemson), and Josh Jobe (Alabama) as undrafted free agents, but they’re all staring at an intense position battle.
Joining the rookie in the cornerback room are Tay Gowan, Mac McCain III, Zech McPherson, and Kary Vincent Jr. As of right now, McPherson is the projected week-one starter in the eyes of most, but he’s done little to prove he deserves that role.
Instead of waiting to see how things play out, Philadelphia could get aggressive if New York Giants all-star cornerback James Bradberry IV is released. There are theories that he could be released, and many have connected the dots between him and Philadelphia.
Bradberry is still productive, but he’s an impending cap nightmare for the G-Men. He’s expected to receive just under $22 million this season, and there is seemingly no trade market for the veteran currently.
Once he’s released, the Eagles should make a push to sign Bradberry, preferably on a multi-year deal, but they could pursue a one-year deal if need be. It is not that outlandish of a suggestion as they did the same thing with Steven Nelson in 2021. Bradberry could prove to be a much better fit with the Eagles than Nelson was though.
Nothing stokes competitive fire than having a team tell you that they don’t want you anymore, and a potential Bradberry grudge versus the Giants could spark a fire within the former Pro Bowler that could elevate the Eagles’ secondary all season.
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Worth a mention: Cheaper options that the Eagles could look to acquire include quarterback Nick Foles (purely as a backup/camp body), safety Landon Collins, defensive end Takk McKinley, or cornerback Kevin King.
Foles could come in to participate in camp and then retire an Eagle. Collins, McKinley, and King could all look for cheaper, one-year deals to try and revitalize their careers in Philadelphia.