After the Giants released veteran cornerback James Bradberry on Monday, should the Cowboys bring in the former Pro Bowler?
Bradberry will be entering his seventh NFL season in 2022 and is coming off a down year in 2021. While he did record a career-high four interceptions and 17 pass breakups, the former Giant allowed 848 yards in coverage, according to Pro Football Reference. It’s the most yards he’s given up in his career after allowing a career-low 587 yards in 2020. Bradberry also allowed eight touchdowns and led all cornerbacks with a 21.7 missed-tackle percentage.
Still, he could return to his 2020-self on a new team. It was a special year for Bradberry, allowing a passer rating of 81.2 when targeted and earning a 79.9 coverage grade from Pro Football Focus. His three interceptions and career-high 18 pass breakups earned Bradberry his first Pro Bowl selection. He experienced regression in 2021, but Bradberry is still a talented cornerback.
His experience in covering NFC East receivers would be helpful. Bradberry has spent the last two seasons covering players like Terry McLaurin and DeVonta Smith. Having been New York’s No. 1 cornerback during his short tenure there, he has experience covering several top receivers. Added depth at the cornerback position wouldn’t hurt either, especially given the uncertainty surrounding Kelvin Joseph’s legal situation.
The major drawback to signing Bradberry would be his price tag. He made around $15 million per year with the Giants and will likely command a similar fee from any team interested in signing him. This, combined with the fact that cornerback isn’t a huge need for Dallas, is a good argument against signing Bradberry.
However, taking advantage of a division rival’s potential mistake should always be considered. Bradberry could be on the verge of a decline, but he wouldn’t have to be the Cowboys’ No. 1 cornerback. In Dallas, he could prove his 2021 regression was a fluke.
Bradberry’s regression was significant, but he can still contribute and play at a high level. He’s a quality player and can bring experience to a very young cornerback room.
