James

Bradberry IV

According to Rapoport, Bradberry’s injury “involves a tendon” but is not expected to require surgery. The veteran defensive back was kept on the 53-man roster after switching from corner to safety but will now miss nearly two months while recovering from this injury. He’ll likely be placed on injured reserve in the coming days to make room for another player during his absence.

Bradberry took snaps at safety during training camp, giving him another path to success after his recent struggles at corner. Bradberry allowed 56 receptions for 689 yards and nine touchdowns last season, per PFF, but will get a chance at redemption to start things out. We’ll see if he makes it through the season, but for now, he’s a veteran presence in a secondary that’s hoping for a turnaround in 2024.

The Eagles added a pair of corners early through the draft and are now giving the veteran Bradberry looks at safety. The 30-year-old joined the Eagles two seasons ago and has started every game he has played at cornerback. If this is a permanent move, rookie first-rounder Quinyon Mitchell would be slated to start at corner across from Darius Slay. Bradberry would split reps at safety with Reed Blankenship and C.J. Gardner-Johnson likely starting. Bradberry was a second-team All-Pro corner in 2022 and the Eagles are now looking to utilize all the secondary talent they have with as much versatility as possible.

Davis being added to the injury report on Thursday is a bit concerning, but the fact he was able to log a limited session is still encouraging. We’ll see how he fares in Friday’s practice, but for now, we’d expect him to suit up for Week 8 against the Commanders. In addition to Davis, the Eagles also added CB James Bradberry (ankle) and LB Zach Cunningham (ankle) to the practice report. Both were listed as limited participants.

Safety Reed Blankenship is also out for Week 2. Though the injuries to Philly’s secondary should make life easier for Kirk Cousins, he is entering Thursday Night Football with a banged-up offensive line and is facing one of the league’s most terrifying-front sevens. It could still be a long night in primetime for Cousins.

The Eagles have a quick turnaround for Week 2 as they host the Vikings on Thursday Night Football. It is unlikely that Bradberry will have enough time to clear the league’s five-step protocol in time to suit up.

With a Thursday night matchup against the Vikings on tap, Bradberry is unlikely to be cleared in time for Week 2. Bradberry signed a three-year, $38 million contract with the Eagles this offseason, and was in on 72 snaps for the team’s Week 1 opener against the Patriots. If Bradberry is unable to go, cornerback Josh Jobe, who is listed behind him on the depth chart, could see more snaps.

The deal includes $20 million guaranteed and another $6 million in incentives. Although he is coming off a Super Bowl where he committed the game-ending holding penalty, Bradberry was a key cog in the Eagles’ fearsome pass defense. His retainment also comes as the Eagles mull Darius Slay’s future in Philadelphia. Frequently tasked with shadowing opposing No. 1 receivers, Bradberry is heading into his age-30 season, which can often be a cliff campaign for corners. He is nevertheless locked into starting duties and should remain an asset for 2023.

Bradberry will form a cornerback tandem with Darius Slay, boosting the Eagles’ coverage unit. Slay ranked seventh among cornerbacks in Pro Football Focus’ defensive grades last season. Bradberry is coming off a down year where he ranked just 103rd in defensive grade, but he ranked 12th in 2020. If he can return to form in Philadelphia, the Eagles will be a difficult team to pass against in 2022.

Bradberry has been oft-rumored to be traded this offseason, including “imminently” at times, but a fit couldn’t be found with his contract. The Chiefs, Colts, and Texans were all linked to him at one time or another, but all have since signed other corners and/or drafted corners in the first round. Bradberry turns 29 in August but is coming off a solid season and is a candidate to get a real contract even despite the late release. His former DC in New York, Patrick Graham, now runs the Vegas defense. The Giants will free up $10.1 million in cap space to allow them to sign their rookie class.