The second week of OTAs has begun for the Philadelphia Eagles, and cornerback James Bradberry continues to be a no-show for voluntary workouts.
This doesn’t necessarily come as a surprise. Bradberry struggled in 2023 after signing a three-year deal with the franchise last season.
With his future in doubt, the Eagles know they have to wait until June 1 to either find a trade partner or flat-out release the Pro Bowler.
Will James Bradberry Be Cut or Traded After June 1?
The longer Bradberry remains a no-show at voluntary workouts, the more likely it is that he will be moved after June 1. A trade partner certainly seems unlikely at this time because Bradberry is coming off a poor season and teams have already made their adjustments at cornerback.
Arguably the most logical course of action is for a flat-out release by the Birds. Should the Eagles go down that route, it would save around $1.2 million in salary cap space — a small change for a team with plenty of cap space, but more than enough to warrant a change for the corner.
After an elite season in 2022 with just a 51.6 passer rating allowed, opposing quarterbacks posted a 114.3 passer rating against Bradberry in 2023, per Pro Football Reference. He was repeatedly picked on throughout the season — especially later in the year against mediocre quarterbacks and teams like the Seattle Seahawks, Dallas Cowboys, and New York Giants.
James Bradberry had a rough last drive on #MNF 😳 pic.twitter.com/XsqXxjYOgK
— uSTADIUM (@uSTADIUM) December 20, 2023
All this coming directly after signing his three-year, $38 million extension with the Eagles last offseason shows that the NFL is not only a league predicated on immediate results, but that Philadelphia is not alarmed to make moves in a pinch to improve the roster.
Who Could Replace Bradberry at Cornerback Opposite Darius Slay?
Bradberry’s potential future replacement is already on the roster. That’s good news for the Eagles because it means they don’t have to worry about spending more money on the position than they already have.
When it comes to any potential replacement of an outside cornerback, it’s important to note that Isaiah Rodgers has been the leader in the clubhouse during OTAs opposite of Slay.
Outside of Rodgers, Kelee Ringo, Eli Ricks, and Josh Jobe are all players who could compete for playing time as well. Additionally, first- and second-round rookies like Quinyon Mitchell (currently on the second team) and Cooper DeJean (working out in the slot) show that there are plenty of options to replace Bradberry should a move happen.
Eagles’ Cornerback Depth Chart
There’s a reason why Bradberry’s status on the Eagles is in question, and it has nothing to do with his poor play in 2023.
It’s the fact that the cornerback room in Philadelphia is as crowded as it has ever been in recent history.
Outside of Slay, who is the group’s top dog, young veterans like Ringo, Ricks, Jobe, and Rodgers are all vying for playing time both on the outside and in the slot.
Then there are the rookie cornerbacks.
Mitchell and DeJean have stood out during OTAs as the team’s first two selections of the 2024 NFL Draft class. They could both be expected to have roles this upcoming season under the leadership of defensive coordinator Vic Fangio.
KEEP READING: More Post-June 1 Cut and Trade Candidates
With so many starting-caliber corners currently on the roster, the Eagles no longer need a veteran to play the opposite of Slay. That makes Bradberry more expendable than anything else.
