Chiefs Should Target This Elite Former Top Draft Pick
The Chiefs have already bolstered their secondary in more ways than one this offseason. After the departures of Tyrann Mathieu, Charvarius Ward, and Daniel Sorensen, it was more than necessary. To replace those long-time Chiefs, Brett Veach has looked to both free agency and the draft. More specifically, at cornerback, Kansas City traded up for first-rounder Trent McDuffie.
Additionally, the team drafted Joshua Williams and Jaylen Watson on Day Three of the NFL Draft and traded for Lonnie Johnson Jr. from the Texans. The team now has three returning starters, three 2022 draft picks, and another 2021 starter in Johnson, set to battle for a 2022 role.
Even with seven corners set to contribute, Kansas City should still consider James Bradberry of the New York Giants.
The Chiefs Should Target James Bradberry Once The Giants Release Him
This week, NFL.com reporter Nick Shook reported that the cash-strapped Giants are set to release their veteran corner after failing to find a trade partner. This opens the door for the Chiefs, who still own $18 million in cap space, to target Bradberry. Even with so many cornerbacks on the roster, Bradberry would certainly become the best of the bunch.
Before 2021, Pro Football Focus ranked Bradberry as their 47th best player in the entire NFL:
All Bradberry needed to realize his full potential was a chance of scenery. The former Carolina Panther earned career-best overall and coverage grades in his first season in the NFC East, recording a massive 14 pass breakups — one off the league lead –and allowing a passer rating of just 70.1 on throws into his coverage. Sam Monson of Pro Football Focus
The move would give the Chiefs a true shutdown corner that they lacked during the Brett Veach era. Even more importantly, it would allow the Chiefs to continue to keep pace with the rest of the AFC West. Without question, the Chiefs have done an outstanding job of building for the future with their offseason thus far. One could even argue they’ve done the best of any AFC West team in that regard.
However, it’s tough to see how the Chiefs have improved enough on defense to keep pace with the rival Chargers. The Chargers ranked 29th in points allowed last season but have added Khalil Mack and JC Jackson this offseason. This week, they also added former Patriot linebacker Kyle Van Noy.
The Chiefs added Justin Reid, Deon Bush, and Jermaine Carter. Outside of those veterans, the team relies heavily on rookies to fill key spots on the defense. In adding Bradberry, the Chiefs would not only be vastly improving their secondary but also lessening the immediate pressure on those young draft picks.
Where Does James Bradberry Fit Into The Chiefs’ Depth Chart?
Bradberry would step in immediately as the Chiefs’ top cornerback. This isn’t an indictment on Rashad Fenton or L’Jarius Sneed. Instead, it speaks to just how good Bradberry is. The move would solidify the outside with both McDuffie and Bradberry. The Chiefs could use Sneed and rotate Fenton in as the fourth cornerback in the slot.
Further depth in Lonnie Johnson, Deandre Baker, and Joshua Williams rounds out what would be one of the deepest cornerback groups in the entire NFL. On the practice squad, the Chiefs would still have Jaylen Watson, Dicaprio Bootle, and Luq Barcoo.
James Bradberry was BIG for Big Blue in 2020. 😤@Brad_B21's 17 forced incompletions were the most in the NFL. (via @PFF) pic.twitter.com/Axk6cyMrkq — NFL (@NFL) June 10, 2021
As far as his contract is concerned, the Giants have been strapped for cap space, causing the need for the team to release Bradberry. His cap hit is currently $21 million but would drop to just $13 million in a trade. If released, Bradberry would be instantly free to sign with any team. He would not be subject to waivers because he has accrued more than four seasons on an active roster.
If the Chiefs want to truly take their defensive rebuild to the next level and have an immediate impact, they should look to James Bradberry.
Do you think the Chiefs should trade for James Bradberry? Leave a comment down below to join the discussion.
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