James Bradberry

American football player (born 1993)

American football player
NFL draft:2016 / Round: 2 / Pick: 62Career history
  • Carolina Panthers (2016–2019)
  • New York Giants (2020–2021)
  • Philadelphia Eagles (2022–present)
Roster status:ActiveCareer highlights and awards
  • Second-team All-Pro (2022)
  • Pro Bowl (2020)
Career NFL statistics as of 2023
Total tackles:478
Sacks:3.0
Forced fumbles:4
Fumble recoveries:4
Pass deflections:112
Interceptions:19
Defensive touchdowns:1
Player stats at NFL.com · PFR

James Bradberry IV (born August 4, 1993) is an American football cornerback for the Philadelphia Eagles of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Samford and was drafted by the Carolina Panthers in the second round of the 2016 NFL draft. Bradberry has also been a member of the New York Giants.

Professional career

Pre-draft measurables
Height Weight Arm length Hand span 40-yard dash 10-yard split 20-yard split 20-yard shuttle Three-cone drill Vertical jump Broad jump Bench press
6 ft 0+34 in
(1.85 m)
211 lb
(96 kg)
33+38 in
(0.85 m)
9+18 in
(0.23 m)
4.50 s 1.53 s 2.60 s 4.21 s 6.91 s 36 in
(0.91 m)
10 ft 4 in
(3.15 m)
16 reps
All values from NFL Combine.[1][2]

Carolina Panthers

2016

The Carolina Panthers selected Bradberry in the second round (62nd overall) of the 2016 NFL draft out of Samford University.[3] He was the 11th cornerback selected in 2016 and the first of three cornerbacks drafted by the Panthers.[4]

External videos
video icon Panthers select Bradberry 62nd overall

On May 10, 2016, Bradberry signed a four-year, US$3.69 million contract with the team.[5]

Defensive coordinator Sean McDermott held a competition during training camp to name a new starting cornerback after the Panthers released Josh Norman. Bradberry competed against Robert McClain for the job.[6] Head coach Ron Rivera named Bradberry the starting cornerback, along with veteran Bené Benwikere, to start the regular season.[7]

He made his professional regular season debut and first career start in the Panthers' season-opener at the Denver Broncos and made six combined tackles and a pass deflection in a 21–20 loss. He made his first career tackle on running back C. J. Anderson during the first drive of the game.[8]

On September 18, 2016, Bradberry made two combined tackles, two pass deflections, and made his first career interception off a pass by quarterback Blaine Gabbert in the Panthers' 46–27 victory against the San Francisco 49ers in Week 2.[9] On October 2, 2016, he made two solo tackles before exiting the Panthers' 48–33 loss at the Atlanta Falcons in the second quarter with an injury. Bené Benwikere and fellow rookie Daryl Worley, who replaced Bradberry, gave up over 300 receiving yards to Julio Jones.[10] On October 7, 2016, the Carolina Panthers released their No. 1 cornerback, Benwikere in response to the secondary's embarrassing performance at the Falcons.[11]

His release made Bradberry became the team's No. 1 cornerback on their depth chart with fellow rookie Daryl Worley as the No. 2 starting cornerback and Zack Sanchez as their backup at No. 3.[12][13] Bradberry was inactive for the next three games (Weeks 5–8) due to a severe case of turf toe he sustained during the loss to the Falcons.[14] In Week 13, Bradberry collected a season-high eight combined tackles and broke up a pass during a 40–7 loss to the Seattle Seahawks.[15]

On January 1, 2017, Bradberry made six solo tackles, two pass deflections, and intercepted Jameis Winston during a 17–16 loss at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.[16] He finished his rookie season with 59 combined tackles (47 solo), ten pass deflections, and two interceptions in 13 games and 13 starts.[17] He graded out as the top ranked rookie cornerback and the Panthers' top defensive back by PFF.[18][19]

2017

On June 5, 2017, Bradberry suffered a fractured wrist during organized team activities and was ruled out for a least a month.[20] Head coach Ron Rivera named Bradberry and Worley the starting outside cornerbacks with newly acquired free agent Captain Munnerlyn as the starting nickelback.[21]

On October 12, 2017, Bradberry recorded six combined tackles, broke up a pass, and made his first career sacks on quarterback Carson Wentz during a 28–23 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.[22] In Week 14, he made six combined tackles, a season-high three pass deflections, and intercepted a pass by Case Keenum in the Panthers' 31–24 victory over the Minnesota Vikings.[23] The following week, Bradberry recorded a season-high seven combined tackles, a pass deflection, and intercepted a pass by Aaron Rodgers during a 31–24 victory against the Green Bay Packers.[24] Bradberry finished the 2017 season with 85 combined tackles (66 solo), ten pass deflections, three interceptions, and a sack in 16 games and 16 starts.[25]

The Panthers finished second in the National Football Conference (NFC) South with an 11–5 record and received a Wild Card berth.[26] On January 7, 2018, Bradberry started in his first career playoff game and recorded seven combined tackles as the Panthers lost 31–26 at the New Orleans Saints in the NFC Wild Card Round.[27]

2018

Bradberry entered 2018 as a starting cornerback alongside rookie Donte Jackson. He started all 16 games, recording 70 combined tackles, a sack, an interception, and a team-leading 15 pass deflections.[28][29]

2019

Bradberry (left) in a game against the Washington Redskins in 2019.

In Week 1 against the Los Angeles Rams, Bradberry made his first sack and interception of Jared Goff in a 27–30 loss.[30] In Week 6 against the Buccaneers, Bradberry recorded a team high ten tackles and made two interceptions off Jameis Winston in the 37–26 win.[31] Overall, in the 2019 season, Bradberry appeared in 15 games and recorded one sack, 65 total tackles, three interceptions, and 12 passes defended in 15 games.[32]

New York Giants

2020

On March 26, 2020, Bradberry signed a three-year, $45 million contract with the New York Giants.[33]

In Week 2 against the Chicago Bears, Bradberry recorded his first interception as a Giant off a pass thrown by Mitchell Trubisky during the 17–13 loss.[34] In Week 6, Bradberry recorded another interception from Kyle Allen in a 20–19 victory over the Washington Football Team.[35] In Week 7, Bradberry recorded his third interception on the season from Carson Wentz in a 22–21 loss to the Eagles on Thursday Night Football.[36] He was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list by the team on December 17, 2020,[37] and activated on December 21.[38] In the 2020 season, Bradberry finished with 54 total tackles, three interceptions, 18 passes defended, two forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery.[39] He was named as a Pro Bowler for the 2020 season.[40] He was ranked 74th by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2021.[41]

2021

During the offseason Bradberry restructured his contract in order to give the team some cap room.[42] In week 2 against the Washington Football Team, he recorded an interception.[43] It was announced on October 2 that Bradberry once again restructured his contract to increase cap room for the Giants.[42] In the 2021 season, Bradberry finished with 47 total tackles, four interceptions, 17 passes defended, and two fumble recoveries in 17 games.[44]

Bradberry was released on May 9, 2022, after the Giants failed to find a trade partner.[45]

Philadelphia Eagles

Bradberry (right) playing against the Washington Commanders in 2022.

On May 18, 2022, Bradberry signed a one-year, $7.5 million contract (plus incentives) with the Eagles.[46] In his Eagles debut, Bradberry had a pick-six in the 38–35 victory over the Detroit Lions in Week 1.[47] In the 2022 season, Bradberry started in all 17 games and finished with 44 total tackles, three interceptions, and 17 passes defended.[48]

In Super Bowl LVII against the Kansas City Chiefs, Bradberry was called for a controversial holding call on JuJu Smith-Schuster while the Chiefs were on the Eagles' 15-yard line.[49] The penalty proved costly for the Eagles as Harrison Butker kicked a game-winning field goal with 11 seconds left leading to the Chiefs' 38–35 win.[50] Bradberry later admitted that the holding call was correct saying, "It was a holding. I tugged his jersey. I was hoping they would let it slide."[51][52]

On March 15, 2023, Bradberry signed a three-year contract extension with the Eagles.[53] In the 2023 season, Bradberry made 16 starts. He had 54 total tackles (39 solo), one interception, 13 passes defended, and one forced fumble.[54]

References

  1. ^ "James Bradberry – CB – Samford – 2016 NFL Draft Scout Player Profile". NFL.com. Retrieved April 30, 2016.
  2. ^ "James Bradberry – CB – Samford – 2016 NFL Combine Results". NFL Combine Results. Retrieved April 30, 2016.
  3. ^ Inabinett, Mark (March 4, 2016). "Samford's James Bradberry takes inspiration to keep working from those he has inspired". AL.com. Retrieved March 26, 2023.
  4. ^ Jones, Jonathan (April 29, 2016). "Carolina Panthers second-round pick James Bradberry willing to lend a hand". Charlotte Observer. Retrieved April 12, 2018.
  5. ^ "Former Samford cornerback James Bradberry signs NFL rookie deal with Panthers". ABC33/40. May 10, 2016. Retrieved March 26, 2023.
  6. ^ Weaver, Tim (July 25, 2016). "Panthers Training Camp Battles: Robert McClain vs. James Bradberry". Panthers Wire. Retrieved April 12, 2018.
  7. ^ "Ourlads.com: Carolina Panthers Depth Chart: 09/01/2016". Ourlads.com. Retrieved April 12, 2018.
  8. ^ "Carolina Panthers at Denver Broncos – September 8th, 2016". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved March 26, 2023.
  9. ^ "San Francisco 49ers at Carolina Panthers – September 18th, 2016". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved March 26, 2023.
  10. ^ "Carolina Panthers at Atlanta Falcons – October 2nd, 2016". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved March 26, 2023.
  11. ^ "Panthers cut cornerback after giving up 300 yards to Julio Jones". FOX Sports. November 15, 2016. Retrieved March 26, 2023.
  12. ^ Dubin, Jared (October 7, 2016). "Starting corner Bené Benwikere cut after Panthers give up 300 yards to Julio Jones". CBSSports.com. Retrieved April 18, 2017.
  13. ^ Orr, Conor (October 7, 2016). "Struggling Bené Benwikere released by Carolina Panthers". NFL.com. Retrieved October 7, 2016.
  14. ^ Rodriguez, Jourdan (October 27, 2016). "James Bradberry a gameday decision, but Panthers CBs may have suffered another setback". Charlotte Observer. Retrieved April 12, 2018.
  15. ^ "Carolina Panthers at Seattle Seahawks – December 4th, 2016". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved March 26, 2023.
  16. ^ "Carolina Panthers at Tampa Bay Buccaneers – January 1st, 2017". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved March 26, 2023.
  17. ^ "James Bradberry 2016 Game Log". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved March 26, 2023.
  18. ^ Rizzuti, Anthony (February 8, 2017). "James Bradberry PFF's top-ranked rookie CB". Panthers Wire. Retrieved April 18, 2017.
  19. ^ Claasen, Matt (January 10, 2017). "Ranking all 32 NFL secondaries this season". ProFootballFocus.com. Retrieved April 18, 2017.
  20. ^ Henson, Max (June 5, 2017). "James Bradberry fractures wrist". Panthers.com. Archived from the original on June 9, 2017. Retrieved June 6, 2017.
  21. ^ "Ourlads.com: Carolina Panthers Depth Chart: 09/05/2017". Ourlads.com. Retrieved April 12, 2018.
  22. ^ "Philadelphia Eagles at Carolina Panthers – October 12th, 2017". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved March 26, 2023.
  23. ^ "Minnesota Vikings at Carolina Panthers – December 10th, 2017". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved March 26, 2023.
  24. ^ "Green Bay Packers at Carolina Panthers – December 17th, 2017". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved March 26, 2023.
  25. ^ "James Bradberry 2017 Game Log". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved March 26, 2023.
  26. ^ "2017 NFL Standings & Team Stats". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved March 26, 2023.
  27. ^ "Wild Card – Carolina Panthers at New Orleans Saints – January 7th, 2018". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved March 26, 2023.
  28. ^ "James Bradberry 2018 Game Log". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved March 26, 2023.
  29. ^ "2018 Carolina Panthers Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees, Injury Reports". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved March 26, 2023.
  30. ^ "Goff, Gurley lead Rams to 30–27 win over Panthers". ESPN.com. Associated Press. September 8, 2019. Retrieved September 8, 2019.
  31. ^ "McCaffrey scores 2 TDs to lead Panthers past Bucs 37–26". ESPN.com. Associated Press. October 13, 2019. Retrieved October 13, 2019.
  32. ^ "James Bradberry 2019 Game Log". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved March 26, 2023.
  33. ^ Bergman, Jeremy (March 16, 2020). "Giants agree with James Bradberry on $45 million deal". NFL.com. Retrieved September 3, 2021.
  34. ^ "Trubisky 2 TD passes, Barkley hurt as Bears edge Giants". ESPN.com. Associated Press. September 20, 2020. Retrieved September 20, 2020.
  35. ^ "Washington Football Team at New York Giants – October 18th, 2020". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved March 26, 2023.
  36. ^ "New York Giants at Philadelphia Eagles – October 22nd, 2020". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved March 26, 2023.
  37. ^ "CB James Bradberry placed on Reserve/COVID-19 list; will not play vs. Browns". Giants.com. December 17, 2020. Retrieved February 3, 2021.
  38. ^ "Giants' James Bradberry: Returns from COVID-19 list". CBSSports.com. December 21, 2020. Retrieved February 3, 2021.
  39. ^ "James Bradberry 2020 Game Log". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved March 26, 2023.
  40. ^ "2020 NFL Pro Bowlers". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved March 26, 2023.
  41. ^ "2021 NFL Top 100". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved March 26, 2023.
  42. ^ a b Traina, Patricia (October 2, 2021). "Giants Restructure James Bradberry's Contract | Report". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved October 2, 2021.
  43. ^ Kerr, Jeff (September 17, 2021). "Giants' James Bradberry felt game was over after INT, on offense going conservative: 'I can't control it'". CBSSports.com. Retrieved October 2, 2021.
  44. ^ "James Bradberry 2021 Game Log". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved March 26, 2023.
  45. ^ Molski, Max (May 9, 2022). "Giants release veteran cornerback James Bradberry". RSN. Retrieved March 26, 2023.
  46. ^ Spadaro, Dave (May 18, 2022). "James Bradberry is an Eagle! The Eagles land the Pro Bowl cornerback". PhiladelphiaEagles.com.
  47. ^ "Philadelphia Eagles at Detroit Lions – September 11th, 2022". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved March 26, 2023.
  48. ^ "James Bradberry 2022 Game Log". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved March 26, 2023.
  49. ^ Schwartz, Paul (February 12, 2023). "Eagles' James Bradberry called for controversial penalty at end of Super Bowl 2023". New York Post. Retrieved March 6, 2023.
  50. ^ "Super Bowl LVII – Philadelphia Eagles vs. Kansas City Chiefs – February 12th, 2023". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved March 26, 2023.
  51. ^ Patra, Kevin (February 12, 2023). "Eagles CB James Bradberry on crucial third-down penalty: 'It was holding'". NFL.com. Retrieved February 13, 2023.
  52. ^ Williams, Charean (February 13, 2023). "James Bradberry: I tugged his jersey, but I was hoping they would let it slide". ProFootballTalk. Retrieved February 13, 2023.
  53. ^ Spadaro, Dave (March 15, 2023). "James Bradberry returns to the Eagles on a 3-year deal". PhiladelphiaEagles.com. Retrieved March 15, 2023.
  54. ^ "James Bradberry 2023 Game Log". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved February 24, 2024.

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to James Bradberry.
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