Eagles plan to shift CB James Bradberry to safety

Field Level Media|published: Thu 25th July, 12:52 2024

NFL: Philadelphia Eagles at Seattle Seahawks

Dec 18, 2023; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) catches a touchdown pass against Philadelphia Eagles cornerback James Bradberry (24) during the fourth quarter at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

Former Pro Bowl cornerback James Bradberry is on the move -- in the Philadelphia secondary.

Bradberry is cross-training at safety under new Eagles coordinator Vic Fangio after a poor season in coverage. Fangio said the degree of difficulty with the move is extreme, but believes in Bradberry because of his intelligence.

"You say you've seen that a lot over the years," he said. "The truth is: No, you haven't. The list of guys successfully transitioning from corner to safety is very small -- with success. ... We'll see if he can do that."

"James has got a good feel for football, very knowledgeable," Fangio added. "So that will help him in that transition. He'll still play some corner for us, too."

Bradberry, who turns 31 next month, was second-team All-Pro and scored the top coverage grade under Pro Football Focus evaluations in 2022. He had his worst year in the NFL in 2023, however, giving up a career-high 11 touchdown passes and a 114.3 passer rating when targeted. He allowed two TD passes and a QB rating under 50 in 2022.

Second-year corner Kelee Ringo played well in Bradberry's absence as a rookie last season alongside No. 1 corner Darius Slay.

General manager Howie Roseman said in April that the Eagles were not running from the fact that Bradberry's 2023 season "wasn't what we expected."

It's possible Bradberry will be moved in a preseason trade if he doesn't quickly take to the safety slot.

Charles Woodson, Rod Woodson and Troy Vincent -- an All-Pro with the Eagles in a secondary that included Brian Dawkins -- are among the success stories in the transition from the boundary to the deep middle.

Vincent prolonged his career by playing safety for the Bills and in Washington.

The current roster is bloated with cornerbacks. Philadelphia drafted first-rounder Quinyon Mitchell out of Toledo and then selected hybrid defensive back Cooper DeJean in the second round. Isaiah Rodgers is ready to return from the suspended list and the Eagles brought back Avonte Maddox.

--Field Level Media

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