Panthers cornerback could be on Arizona Cardinals wish list
By Jim Koch
Projected free agent cornerback James Bradberry would be a fine addition to the Arizona Cardinals defensive backfield in 2020
Anyone who watched the Arizona Cardinals attempt to defend the pass this past season may agree that the secondary needs help. Therefore, adding reinforcements for the cornerback spot should be high on the front office’s priority list this coming offseason. With an ample amount of salary-cap space to work with, the Cards could very well add a quality player or two to the squad’s defensive backfield.
One player who Arizona could attempt to land is scheduled to hit free agency in March. James Bradberry, who has spent the past four campaigns with the Carolina Panthers, would be a fine addition to coordinator Vance Joseph‘s defense. Could the Cardinals have interest in the 26-year old cover guy?
As a second-round draft pick of the Panthers back in 2016, Bradberry has performed well during the 60 NFL games he has appeared in. Being a number-one corner in the NFC South has been far from easy for the former Samford University product. During his four years in the division, Bradberry has had to contend with dynamic wideouts such as Michael Thomas, Julio Jones and Mike Evans.
Bradberry graded out as Pro Football Focus’ top rookie cornerback back in ’16. The 6’1, 212 pounder registered 59 tackles,10 passes defensed and two interceptions during his first season as a professional. Bradberry’s career totals include 279 tackles, 47 pass breakups and eight picks.
The Cards have a load of questions at corner as they head into 2020. Patrick Peterson, who was suspended for six contests at the beginning of 2019, was burned quite often throughout his ninth pro campaign. First-year Cardinal Byron Murphy failed to live up to his 33rd-overall draft pick hype, and veteran Robert Alford missed all 16 matchups because of a leg injury.
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With the big money that they already have allocated to Peterson and Alford, Arizona will more than likely pass on a top-tier defender. Acquiring a less-expensive cover guy who can do a solid job would make more sense. Bradberry would fit that profile, and could very well be targeted when the signing period begins two months from now.