Eagles plan for James Bradberry revealed

When it comes to the 2024 NFL season, the Philadelphia Eagles' plan for cornerback James Bradberry is, well, for Bradberry to be part of the plan.

After a down year in 2023, there was some speculation that the Eagles could look to cut ties with the 2022 All-Pro. However, Eagles general manager Howie Roseman did his best to shut down such speculation while speaking with media members at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis.

“He’s under contract, part of our plans,” Roseman said of Bradberry, while also adding that he will likely spend most of his time next season as an outside corner.

"I think he's an outside guy," Roseman said. " . . . When you look at JB and his history and his success as an outside corner, to ask him to do something which is a really different position is hard."

Could a reduced role be in store for Bradberry?

The Eagles definitely have to make some changes in the secondary over the offseason, but it doesn't seem like parting ways with Bradberry will be one of those changes. However, a reduced role could be a possibility.

In 2022, Bradberry played 98 percent of all defensive snaps for Philadelphia. That number dipped slightly to 95 percent last season, but it was still extremely high. Next season, it's possible that number will dip again.

It's likely that the Eagles will add some cornerback depth in the draft and/or through free agency, and those moves will go a long way toward determining exactly what type of role Bradberry will have next season. Plus, young guys like Kelee Ringo and Eli Ricks could see their roles increase.

Ringo, especially, will likely be given an opportunity to earn more playing time after the team selected him in the fourth round of the draft last year. He played 199 defensive snaps for Philadelphia last season. That number should be expected to go up.

Overall, keeping Bradberry around isn't necessarily a bad idea for the Eagles, as one down season doesn't define a player. Plus. it will be interesting to see how new defensive coordinator Vic Fangio decides to use him.