The Buffalo Bills have made a bold move to bolster their secondary, signing veteran free-agent cornerback James Bradberry, formerly of the Philadelphia Eagles, to a one-year deal. The signing, announced Wednesday, has sparked heated discussions on X, particularly among Eagles fans who labeled Bradberry a “bust” after a disappointing tenure in Philadelphia.
Bradberry, a 2016 second-round pick by the Carolina Panthers, was once a Pro Bowl standout, earning All-Pro honors in 2022 with the Eagles. However, his performance declined sharply in 2023, allowing 740 yards in coverage, and a 2024 Achilles tear sidelined him for the entire season. Eagles fans, frustrated by his regression and a costly holding penalty in Super Bowl LVII, celebrated his release in March 2025.
“He was supposed to be our shutdown corner, but Bradberry fell off hard after 2022,” an Eagles fan posted on X. “Good riddance—hope Buffalo enjoys the baggage.” Yet, Bills GM Brandon Beane and coach Sean McDermott, who worked with Bradberry in Carolina, see untapped potential in the 31-year-old.
The Bills’ secondary, ranked second-worst in coverage (37.7 PFF grade) in 2024, desperately needs reinforcement to compete with Kansas City Chiefs’ high-powered offense. With Christian Benford locked in as CB1 and Dane Jackson struggling, Bradberry offers veteran experience despite his recent setbacks.
“Bradberry has ties to Beane and McDermott, and they believe he can rebound,” ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported. “Buffalo sees him as a low-risk, high-reward signing for depth and mentorship.” Some analysts suggest Bradberry could play nickel or safety, leveraging his versatility.
Bradberry’s 2022 stats—44 tackles, three interceptions, 17 passes defended—show his capability when healthy. His familiarity with McDermott’s defensive scheme could ease his transition, potentially recapturing his All-Pro form to support Josh Allen’s Super Bowl quest.
However, skepticism persists. Bills fans on X are divided, with some calling Bradberry “washed” due to his age and injury history, while others trust Beane’s vision. “If McDermott can fix Bradberry, it’s a steal,” a BillsMafia member tweeted. “If not, we’ve got bigger problems.”
As the Bills prepare for the 2025 season, Bradberry’s signing is a gamble on redemption. With Allen leading the charge, Buffalo hopes the former Eagles castoff can silence critics and help them conquer the Chiefs. Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp for updates.
