A recent report suggests the New York Jets will include themselves in the final running for free agent cornerback James Bradberry.
Cornerback is just one of several New York Jets’ desperate positions of need. But, interestingly, it may be No. 4 on the priority list after offensive line, edge and wide receiver.
On Tuesday, one of the first cornerback reports surfaced as Joe Douglas enters his first offseason as general manager.
According to Connor Hughes of The Athletic, the Jets should be in the final running for James Bradberry’s services.
Based on what I’ve heard, I’d expect #Jets to be in the final running for #Panthers CB James Bradberry. #Redskins might not be as invested in him as many originally believed. #Giants & Dave Gettleman are interested, but from what I’ve heard, they won’t pay near what others will
— Connor Hughes (@Connor_J_Hughes) March 10, 2020
Bradberry, 26, is a second-round selection of the Carolina Panthers in the 2016 NFL Draft. He’s picked off eight passes, collected 47 pass deflections and tallied 279 total tackles in 60 games over four seasons with the Panthers.
At 6-foot-1, Bradberry fits the Jets need on the outside in the defensive backfield. Brian Poole’s pending status concerns the inside at slot.
The other big-name corner on the free-agent market is Byron Jones, a man who ranks head and shoulders ahead of Bradberry in key metrics.
If they're going big for CB would rather see them just go the extra mile for Byron Jones
Jones average percentile ranks last two seasons:
Yds/per cover snap: 94th
PFF coverage grade: 86th https://t.co/bPRKn52M6z— Michael Nania (@Michael_Nania) March 10, 2020
Bradberry has never qualified for a Pro Bowl, which is an exact mirror of Trumaine Johnson’s career prior to arriving in Florham Park two offseasons ago.
Of course, it all comes down to the cap. Bradberry’s dollar amount compared to Jones’s will play an incredible factor in the Jets eventual decision. Moreover, after Poole’s possible re-signing and the hopeful signing of at least one offensive line stud, the money remaining is what can be used towards potential cornerbacks.
Others don’t believe the Jets will be all-in on Bradberry. Fans won’t know for sure until the legal tampering period begins next Monday. March 16.
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