Philadelphia Eagles Super Bowl champion defensive back James Bradberry remains a free agent this late in the offseason comes as a surprise. For the Eagles, it isn't a shock that a reunion hasn't happened with the emergence of Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean. The young defensive backs were pivotal in Philly taking down the Kansas City Chiefs and taking their rightful place as Super Bowl champions.
Add in the depth of wildcard Kelee Ringo and veteran Adoree Jackson there is zero reason for urgency in a potential reunion. If there is going to be a re-signing, it should be with very realistic expectations that are completely on the Eagles' terms.
Super Bowl Champion James Bradberry Remains a Surprise Free Agent in a Limited Class
It is important to note that Bradberry missed the entire 2024 season on the heels of a very frustrating 2023 campaign. The former Eagle was a big piece of why the team was unable to defend their NFC Championship a season before, with teams slicing through their defense consistently throughout the 2023 season.
With this in mind, the only reason a reunion makes sense for Philly is if they get Bradberry to come in as cheap veteran depth. You're not signing the veteran as a key contributor or as anything other than a veteran wildcard who is familiar with the system. It seems a more likely way that this plays out is Bradberry landing elsewhere with a less proven defense.
If the corner wants a chance to continue his career as a starter, it is going to mean signing a prove-it deal with a team that can't afford superior options. This is the most likely path for a player who missed an entire season due to injury and was struggling before suffering said injury.
Bradberry's time in Philly will be remembered as a mixed bag, with the corner's struggles directly contributing to the incredible 2023 frustrations. However, there is no denying that despite his lack of contributions on the field, Bradberry is a Super Bowl champion and an important part of recent Eagles history.