KC Chiefs: The pros and cons of chasing James Bradberry

The pros of chasing Bradberry

The best reason for the Chiefs to go after James Bradberry is the same reason why any team should want to add him: he’s a talented veteran cornerback who would immediately become a starter outside for the Chiefs (and most teams).

Let’s not forget that Bradberry made the Pro Bowl the season before last and that he spent the last year with a miserable Giants team that ultimately decided to fire everyone involved in leadership. There was a time not too long ago when Bradberry was considered a major free agent prize at corner, and he is still only 29 years old, so there’s reason to believe he’s got more in him.

At 6’1, 210 lbs., Bradberry has length and the physical size that keeps him so effective against bigger receivers. That frame also gives him the durability to have only missed two games in the last half-decade of play in the NFL. Even in a frustrating year for the Giants last year, he set a career-high with 4 interceptions and deflected 17 passes. By the way, he played in 1,159 snaps, and if that sounds like a defense that was gassed, you’d better believe it. (By comparison, L’Jarius Sneed had 200 fewer snaps last year.)

In addition to the talent he brings, Bradberry would also provide major security for a long season in the secondary. The Chiefs have Sneed and then a lot of talent with an equal amount of questions. Trent McDuffie is a dynamic first-round pick but he’s yet to play a single snap at the NFL level. Rashad Fenton is nursing a shoulder injury and hopes to be ready for training camp. Lonnie Johnson is the new guy but was available for a song (from the Houston Texans of all teams).

Deandre Baker is the holdover, but K.C. has been hesitant to give him meaningful reps for two years now. And yes, the Chiefs drafted plenty more help, but every one of those defensive backs is a long-term project: fourth-round pick Joshua Williams and seventh-rounders Jaylen Watson and Nazeeh Johnson.

In other words, the Chiefs have a lot of pasta to throw at the wall, but that doesn’t mean anything will stick. Meanwhile, Bradberry has finally wiggled free and could solve all the team’s positional concerns with a single signing. However, we need to talk about…