After several great seasons, the Giants have released cornerback James Bradberry. Could he make his way to Las Vegas to play for the Raiders?
A second-round pick by the Panthers in 2016, James Bradberry quickly developed into one of the NFL’s best cornerbacks and is someone the Raiders should be in play for. After three years in Carolina where he racked up eight interceptions and consistent praise for his play, he signed a three-year deal with the New York Giants.
While with the Giants, Bradberry continued to play at a high level. One of the NFL’s most underrated players, he was selected to his first Pro Bowl in 2016 when he had three interceptions and eighteen passes defended in fifteen games. In 2021, he was arguably just as good. With a career-high four interceptions, he earned a quality 62.8 grade from PFF.
Heading into the 2022 off-season, the Giants were faced with a tough decision regarding Bradberry. Still a quality player at just 28 years old, he possessed a cap hit of 21.8 million dollars. Being in the last year of his deal, the Giants looked to find a trade partner. Of course, no one was going to trade for a cornerback on a contract that large so New York released the veteran corner.
Now, a Pro Bowl-caliber player is available after the draft, in his prime. With the Raiders expected to be in the mix for his services, does he fit and, perhaps more importantly, can the Raiders afford it?