New England Patriots: 3 bold predictions for the rest of the offseason
New England Patriots bold prediction No. 2: Pats will sign James Bradberry in free agency
The Patriots still could use some help at cornerback despite making a couple of investments at the spot so far. Malcolm Butler and Terrance Mitchell were signed in free agency, and Marcus Jones and Jack Jones were selected midway through the draft. Counting on any of them to contribute for a full 17 game slate at a high level is wishful thinking, though.
New England still hasn’t truly replaced J.C. Jackson after he departed in free agency, and that could prove to be a huge issue if the team rolls into the season with their cornerback depth chart as currently constructed. Enter James Bradberry, a Pro-Bowl caliber corner who was recently released by the New York Giants.
Bradberry earned his first Pro-Bowl selection in 2020, his first season with the Giants after spending the previous four with the Carolina Panthers. Bradberry regressed a bit in 2021, but he was still a solid starter for the Giants while intercepting a career high four passes along the way. But New York needed cap space, and Bradberry ended up getting the axe after just two seasons with the Giants.
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Right off the bat, Bradberry would bring length to a cornerback room that desperately needs it. Jackson was their guy that could up against bigger receivers on the outside and make their life miserable, but right now that guy doesn’t exist on this roster. Bradberry has the frame (6’1, 212 lbs) to be able to matchup at the outside corner spot, and while he’s not as good as Jackson, he stands to be a serviceable replacement.
New England invested in cornerback throughout the offseason, but it simply may not be enough. Bradberry would be a guy who could come in and be a starter from day one, while allowing some of the younger guys a chance to develop behind the scenes rather than getting thrown into the fire. Of course, the Pats would need some money, which is why…