Another one of the top free agents is off the board. Cornerback James Bradberry will be going to the Giants on a three-year deal, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network (Twitter link).
Bradberry’s pact will be worth $45MM, with $32MM of it being guaranteed. We heard a couple of weeks ago that the Panthers were unlikely to re-sign Bradberry, with Carolina being reluctant to dole out this kind of cash as they enter somewhat of a rebuild. The Jets were interested in Bradberry as were many other teams, meaning the Jets have been interested in but unable to land seemingly every big free agent so far.
Bradberry was one of the top corners available and he likely helped set the market for Byron Jones, who agreed to sign with the Dolphins moments later. Bradberry was drafted by the Panthers in the second-round back in 2016, and spent his first four years in Carolina. He’s started at least 15 games in each of the past three years, and has had at least ten passes defended in each of his four pro seasons.
The Giants’ secondary struggled mightily last year, so this was very much a position of need for them. They cut long-time starter Janoris Jenkins towards the end of last year after multiple clashes with the coaching staff, and were left with a bunch of inexperienced young guys at corner. First-round pick Deandre Baker was a disappointment as a rookie, and New York is hoping Bradberry can provide some stability to the unit. It’s the first major move of the Joe Judge era.
Great I’m thrilled it wasn’t Byron Jones
this leads me to believe that CB Byron Jones will sign in Philly now. The 2 main teams were Philly and NY Giants. Sure the Jets and raiders are still involved but seems like Jones to Philly has been talked into existence.
comment didn’t age well
soon as I say that he signs with Miami
where are you seeing Jones to Miami?
Good move
Unlikely that Bradberry has three $15 million seasons left in him. Good for him though. Will be a menace in the NFC East in 2020.
But most likely they can cut him after 2 with minimal cap hit since $32m of the 45 is guaranteed.
“the Jets have been interested in but unable to land seemingly every big free agent so far.”
They will end up signing Geno Smith and then tell fans it was a major coup…lol.
Does Gettleman have it in his contract that he has to sign a certain number of Cardinals and Panthers players every offseason?
It’s not uncommon for teams in one conference to have a preferred trading partner in the other conference. Gettleman has a strong connection to the Panthers as a former GM for them so it’s understandable why he would feel comfortable dealing with them.