KC Chiefs: Reports about James Bradberry are conflictual

There are conflicting reports when it comes to the Kansas City Chiefs’ reported interest (or not) in veteran cornerback James Bradberry.

Over the last couple of weeks, some of the bigger rumors in the National Football League have circled around a pair of accomplished cornerbacks who still have some expected life in them as they look ahead to playing in 2022: Stephon Gilmore and James Bradberry. With the signing of Gilmore by the Indianapolis Colts, the spotlight has only become even greater on Bradberry.

The difference between Bradberry and Gilmore this offseason came down to availability, at least so far. The former is still under contract, and a hefty one at that, by the New York Giants. The other hit free agency after the Carolina Panthers’ season ended. However, the Kansas City Chiefs have been linked to both with reported interest.

The Giants have to be thrilled with the timing of Gilmore’s signing with less than two weeks until the 2022 NFL Draft. If a team like the Chiefs wanted to reinforce the secondary heading into the draft (which could keep the team from feeling forced to take a corner), then Bradberry could become a bit more valuable knowing Gilmore is now out of reach.

But here’s the thing: the Chiefs’ reported interest in Bradberry isn’t a notion that even NFL reporters have agreed upon. On the one hand, Aaron Wilson of Pro Football Network has stated that the Chiefs not only have interest but that the teams have actually had trade discussions. Check out what Wilson wrote in the last few weeks:

"However, the Chiefs are extremely interested in a potential trade for Bradberry. Compensation discussions have ranged from a late-round selection going to New York in a possible deal to swapping picks in the middle rounds, according to league sources not authorized to speak publicly."

Then came a report two weeks ago from Jeffri Chadiha from the league’s official site stating the opposite. In fact, he says the team “has not been involved” and “don’t plan on getting involved.” In short, Chadiha said anything you’ve heard in the past or could hear in the future is false.

So which one is incorrect here? It’s one thing if Wilson had stated that the Chiefs are a team that makes the most sense or that the Chiefs have leaked some potential interest in a corner like Bradberry. It’s another thing entirely to say that actual compensation has been discussed, that parameters are in place, and that both sides understand what the other wants.

Clearly, this is the time of year when smokescreens are used to varying effects. Rumors are leaked about draft interest (or a lack of interest) and the same can apparently be said of potential trades for veterans (or no trades). If the Giants sense the Chiefs backing off, then maybe the price comes down. Then again, with Gilmore off the market, a player the Chiefs also had reported interest in, then the price could inch a bit higher.

Are the Chiefs going to make a move for a veteran? Is Bradberry too expensive and/or too old? Is cornerback even a position where Veach is going to make a splashy acquisition? There are reasons to believe either side, and it appears only time will tell who was blowing smoke and who had something of substance.