Cardinals’ Cornerback Conundrum: Could James Bradberry Be the Veteran Savior Arizona Needs?
The Arizona Cardinals find themselves in a precarious situation as injuries plague their once-promising cornerback corps. What was thought to be a deep and talented lineup has swiftly transformed into a significant concern, compelling the team to explore immediate solutions.
Injury Struggles Mount for Arizona
The Cardinals began their season with the loss of Sean Murphy-Bunting and Starling Thomas V, setting a troubling precedent. The situation worsened during their recent victory over the Carolina Panthers, where all three starting cornerbacks—Will Johnson, Max Melton, and Garrett Williams—exited the game due to injuries. The specifics of their recovery timelines remain unclear, leaving the team in a state of uncertainty.
With five injuries now recorded in the cornerback position, including two confirmed season-ending injuries, the Cardinals’ depth has been severely tested. In light of this, the team is left with only Kei’Trel Clark, Elijah Jones, and Denzel Burke on the active roster. Additionally, Darren Hall and Chigozie Anusiem are waiting in the wings on the practice squad, poised for potential promotions as the team evaluates its options.
The Case for James Bradberry
As the Cardinals seek to bolster their cornerback position, one name stands out in the free agent market: James Bradberry. The nine-year veteran, now 32, may not be the most talked-about player, but he presents an ideal emergency signing for Arizona.
Bradberry’s career has seen him don the jerseys of three teams, most recently the Philadelphia Eagles, where he played a crucial role in their Super Bowl-winning campaign last season. However, an Achilles injury sidelined him for much of the year. Prior to that setback, Bradberry had a stellar performance in the 2022 season, amassing three interceptions and 17 pass breakups, creating a formidable duo with Darius Slay.
A Familiar Face with Proven Success
Bradberry’s best football was played under Jonathan Gannon, the Eagles’ former defensive coordinator who now leads the Cardinals. This connection could prove invaluable as the team seeks a player who can step in and make an immediate impact. The potential for Bradberry to provide stability while other cornerbacks recover is significant; he could effectively hold down the fort during this tumultuous period.
Yet, the primary concern surrounding a potential signing revolves around Bradberry’s recovery from his Achilles injury. His performance in the 2023 season was less than stellar, primarily due to the collective struggles of the Eagles’ defense following Gannon’s departure. Thus, a thorough medical evaluation and a workout would be prudent steps before any contract is finalized.
A Strategic Move for Short-Term Relief
Despite the risks associated with his age and recent injury, signing Bradberry could be a strategic low-cost move that offers medium-term rewards for the Cardinals. With the team showing promise in their initial games, they cannot afford to let a crucial position falter early in the season.
The addition of a seasoned veteran like Bradberry not only fills the void left by Murphy-Bunting but also provides much-needed leadership and experience in a time of crisis. As the Cardinals navigate this injury-riddled landscape, pursuing Bradberry could be the lifeline they desperately need to stabilize their cornerback situation.
