After hoisting the Lombardi Trophy in a thrilling postseason run, the Philadelphia Eagles now find themselves navigating the familiar terrain that follows championship glory—retooling a roster that inevitably loses key pieces. The aftermath of success in the NFL often means bidding farewell to pivotal players, and this offseason has been no different. While the exits of Milton Williams, Josh Sweat, and Mekhi Becton via free agency were expected by some, the surprise trade of C.J. Gardner-Johnson to the Houston Texans sent shockwaves through the fanbase. Yet amid the turbulence of change, not every departure has sparked widespread mourning in the City of Brotherly Love.
One such name is James Bradberry. Once considered one of the league’s premier cornerbacks, Bradberry’s tenure with the Eagles came to a quiet end this offseason. Designated as a post-June 1 cut, his release saved the team approximately $2.1 million against the salary cap—a strategic decision rather than an emotional one. In 2022, Bradberry was an integral part of the Eagles’ dominant defense, earning Second-Team All-Pro honors and helping Philadelphia reach the Super Bowl. His disciplined coverage and veteran instincts made him a fan favorite and a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks.
However, the honeymoon phase didn’t last. The 2023 season marked a noticeable drop in Bradberry’s performance. After signing a three-year, $38 million contract extension during the 2023 offseason, expectations were sky-high. But on the field, Bradberry appeared a step slower, out of sync, and often targeted by opposing offenses. His decline played a part in the Eagles’ defensive struggles, particularly in the latter half of the season when the secondary was frequently exposed.
Hoping for a career renaissance, Bradberry and the Eagles explored a potential position switch to safety for the 2024 season. The idea was intriguing—his football IQ and experience might’ve translated well to a role that demanded less man-to-man speed and more field awareness. Unfortunately, those plans unraveled after an ill-timed leg injury during training sidelined him with a torn Achilles and a damaged soleus muscle. That setback not only ended his season prematurely but cast serious doubt on his immediate future in the league.
Bradberry is currently rehabbing with hopes of returning to full strength by the start of the 2025 season. Yet as of now, he remains a free agent, unsigned and in search of a new opportunity. The reality is sobering for the 30-year-old cornerback: he may be forced to settle for a “prove-it” deal after the draft, likely with limited guaranteed money and an uphill climb back to a starting role. Once a Pro Bowler, he now finds himself battling both injury and perception in his quest to revive his NFL career.
In the meantime, Eagles general manager Howie Roseman has been anything but idle. Known for his shrewd eye for talent and cap management wizardry, Roseman has already taken decisive steps to reshape the defense. The 2023 draft yielded two promising cornerbacks in Cooper DeJean and Quinyon Mitchell, both of whom showed flashes of brilliance in their rookie campaigns. And this offseason, the team added veteran Adoree’ Jackson, whose experience and versatility are expected to bring stability to a young and evolving secondary.
With Bradberry, Gardner-Johnson, Isaiah Rodgers, and Avonte Maddox all gone, Philadelphia’s secondary is entering a new era. Yet it’s not one without hope. The Eagles are placing their trust in a blend of homegrown talent and strategic acquisitions, betting on internal development and fresh blood to carry the defense forward. The upcoming draft class is also expected to bring reinforcements, as Philadelphia continues to invest in building a unit capable of matching the offensive firepower led by quarterback Jalen Hurts.
While fans may be nostalgic for the glory days of a dominant defense anchored by veterans like Bradberry, the reality is that time moves quickly in the NFL. Teams must evolve or risk being left behind. For Bradberry, the chapter in Philadelphia may be closed, but his story in the NFL isn’t necessarily over. He’ll need to prove he still has something left in the tank, mentally and physically, to compete at the highest level.
As for the Eagles, the road ahead is filled with potential. With a front office known for aggressive moves and a locker room filled with young talent hungry for greatness, Philadelphia seems poised to remain a serious contender. The departure of Bradberry and others is simply part of the natural cycle in the NFL. And if history is any indication, the Eagles are ready to turn the page—with eyes already fixed on the next Lombardi.
