Why the Eagles should not cut their struggling ex-All-Pro cornerback

Philadelphia's pass defense wasn't the only Eagles unit that experienced a slip in production late in the season, but its decline stood out. The group finished fifth worst in yards allowed in 2023 (267.7) after finishing fifth best in 2022. 

Within that group, cornerback James Bradberry has served as a scapegoat for the team's end-of-season crumble. According to Pro Football Focus, Bradberry allowed only two touchdowns in coverage in 2022 (earning him second-team All-Pro honors), but in 2023, he gave up an alarming nine touchdowns in coverage.

While Bradberry has regressed, it is likely that he will be back in Philadelphia next season (despite the emotional reaction from the fan base that might entail). Here are several reasons why.

Bradberry has a new defensive coordinator

The Eagles hired Vic Fangio as their new defensive coordinator in late January, shortly after their season ended. 

With a new 3-4 scheme, Fangio will require cornerbacks to be able to play in his off-coverage look and be physical at the line of scrimmage. Bradberry could potentially move inside to the slot position if the Eagles believe they have better options covering the outside.

There is also potential to convert Bradberry into a hybrid free-safety role if the Eagles do not address safety in the draft or free agency.

Bradberry's immense dead-cap hit

According to Spotrac, Bradberry has a $4.885 million cap hit in 2024 with a post-June 1 release dead- cap hit of $17.238 million that carries into the 2025 season. 

One down season should not constitute taking a huge financial hit just to get rid of a player, especially since the team has other areas that must be addressed. 

Experience matters

Bradberry is entering his ninth season in the NFL. Opposite him, 33-year-old Darius Slay is entering his 12th season. Outside of Bradley Roby — who probably won't return — and injury-prone Avonte Maddox, the rest of the players in the secondary have no more than two years' NFL experience. So, the  Eagles could use veterans such as Bradberry and Slay to groom rookies who will be part of the team's 2024 NFL Draft class.