The Philadelphia Eagles have decided to release veteran cornerback James Bradberry, designating him as a post-June 1 cut. This strategic move will allow the team to distribute his dead money over the 2024 and 2025 seasons, resulting in a $2.1 million salary cap savings in 2025.
Bradberry, 31, joined the Eagles in 2022 after his release from the New York Giants. In his inaugural season with Philadelphia, he delivered an outstanding performance, earning second-team All-Pro honors. According to Pro Football Focus, opposing quarterbacks completed only 40 of 87 targets (46.0%) against him, yielding 429 yards (4.9 yards per target), two touchdowns, and three interceptions, culminating in a passer rating of just 54.2.
Following his stellar 2022 season, Bradberry signed a three-year, $38 million contract extension with the Eagles in 2023. However, his performance declined in 2023, as he allowed career-highs in touchdown passes and passer ratings against him. Compounding these challenges, Bradberry suffered a torn Achilles tendon during the 2024 preseason, sidelining him for the entire season, including the Eagles’ Super Bowl LIX victory.
This move is part of a broader effort by the Eagles to rejuvenate their defensive roster. Just a day prior, the team released fellow veteran cornerback Darius Slay, also with a post-June 1 designation, which is expected to save $4.3 million in 2025. These decisions underscore the Eagles’ commitment to balancing experienced leadership with emerging talent as they prepare for the upcoming season.
Over his nine-year NFL career, Bradberry has been a reliable presence in the secondary. His tenure includes stints with the Carolina Panthers, New York Giants, and Philadelphia Eagles, during which he amassed 478 tackles, 19 interceptions, four forced fumbles, and four fumble recoveries across 125 games. As he enters free agency, teams in need of veteran experience and leadership in their secondary may find Bradberry to be a valuable addition, provided he fully recovers from his Achilles injury.
The Eagles’ decision to release Bradberry reflects a strategic approach to managing the salary cap while transitioning to a younger defensive core. As they look ahead to the 2025 season, the team aims to build on their recent success, including their Super Bowl LIX championship, by integrating fresh talent and maintaining a competitive edge in the league.
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