Could James Bradberry's controversial hold in Super Bowl LVII cost him a big payday in free agency?
Philadelphia Eagles cornerback James Bradberry is set to become a free agent on March 15. He is expected to pursue a top contract that matches his exceptional skills and performances from last season.
After a remarkable season, he was named second-team All-Pro, indicating his worth in the NFL.
However, Bradberry's chances of securing a lucrative contract may have been affected by his performance in the Super Bowl.
In the final minutes of the game, Bradberry was penalized for holding Juju Smith-Schuster, and the penalty controversially led to their defeat, as the Chiefs ran down the clock and scored the game-winning field goal.
Many, particularly Eagles fans, attribute their loss in the Super Bowl to the hold. As history has shown us, major slip-ups in the NFL's biggest game are not easily forgiven or forgotten.
There have been instances where such mistakes have led to the non-renewal of players' contracts. For example, Wes Welker, a wide receiver for the New England Patriots, dropped a key pass in the fourth quarter of Super Bowl XLVI, which could have helped secure a victory for his team.
Welker's contract with the Patriots expired after that season, and the team did not re-sign him. Similarly, cornerback Asante Samuel, who played for the New England Patriots, made a costly mistake in Super Bowl XLII, where he dropped a potential game-sealing interception against the New York Giants.
The Patriots went on to lose the game, and Samuel's contract with the team was not renewed after the season.
Despite the Super Bowl hold, Bradberry has expressed his desire to secure a big payday during free agency.
James Bradberry is set to become a free agent after the Eagles void his contract.
Projected deal: 3-year, $51 million twitter.com/i/web/status/1… https://t.co/qlodTzLc1L
Only time will tell whether his impressive performances in the previous season are enough to outweigh the Super Bowl mishap and secure him the top contract he deserves.
James Bradberry's career stats and contracts
Bradberry was drafted by the Carolina Panthers in the second round of the 2016 NFL draft with the 62nd overall pick. He signed a four-year contract worth $3.69 million with the Panthers.
After winning the competition set by the Panthers defensive coordinator Sean McDermott for the starting cornerback position, he made his debut in the season opener against the Denver Broncos.
He finished his rookie season with 13 starts and had a total of 59 tackles, of which 47 were solo. He also registered 10 pass deflections and two interceptions, earning a PFF rating of 82.6.
Despite missing a few games due to a fractured wrist at the start of the 2017 season, he finished the year strong with 86 combined tackles, including 66 solo tackles, 10 pass deflections, three interceptions, and one sack.
After ending his contract with the Panthers in the 2019 season, he signed with the New York Giants on a three-year deal worth $45 million.
“All-Pro James”
“The best in the world back here, baby”
The Giants really handed James Bradberry to the Eagles on a silver platter last offseason.
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After two seasons with the Giants, Bradberry was released as the team was unable to find a trade partner for him and needed cap space. Bradberry has restructured his contract twice to provide some cap space for the team.
He signed with the Eagles on a one-year $7.5 million contract, and he had one of the best performances by a cornerback in the 2022 season. So far, he has 424 total tackles, three sacks, 18 interceptions, and one defensive touchdown in his career.