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New York Giants Release Veteran Pro Bowl CB; Has A Successful Draft Made the Giants Overconfident?
The NFC East team New York Giants released their No. 1 cornerback James Bradberry on Monday, citing the reasons for salary cap adjustments. A tough call for the franchise, leaving a veteran from the roster and making the cornerback room more fragile.
The move came days after the Giants had a successful draft this season. However, the side was struggling with enough capital to accommodate its players. This decision will help the team get a breathing space to sign new draftees.
New York Giants were looking for a trade but couldn’t get one
More than releasing a crucial player from the roster, Giants had to find a solution for the financial deficit they were facing. Talking to a media outlet, the team’s general manager Joe Schoen revealed that they were trying to trade Bradberry even before the free agency in March. However, they were unsuccessful in reaching an agreement with other NFL teams.
Oct 10, 2021; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys receiver Cee Dee Lamb (88) scores after a catch in the second quarter against the New York Giants safety Julian Love (20) and cornerback James Bradberry (24) at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports | Reuters
Moreover, he was surprised to believe that no teams were showing interest to acquire the No. 1 cornerback of their team. “I thought there would be more interest. Some teams showed interest pre-draft, and we had a couple of different times there was compensation in place, and the contract never worked out.” Schoen said last week.
He also clarified that there weren’t any other intentions behind the move. Money was the only reason behind it. “Listen, he’s a starting corner in the league. It’s just where we are financial. We still got to sign our draft picks, be able to sign our practice squad, and have replacement costs for during the season.” Schoen added to his statements.
With Bradberry’s release, the Giants will save about $10.1 million against the salary cap this season. He was estimated to receive $13.5 million this season, counting $21.9 million in the team’s salary space. Now the team is only left with Adoree Jackson having a significant starting experience. But the franchise has added Cincinnati alumni Ahmed Gardner into the cornerback room from this year’s NFL draft.
James Bradberry was an asset to the team
The Stamford alumni was acquired by the New York Giants as free agents in 2020. He signed a three-year deal worth $43.5 million, and he was entering the final year of his contract. In the initial four years of his career, he played with the Carolina Panthers.
Interestingly, Bradberry was one of the five players on the Giants’ roster to make a Pro Bowl in his career. In his first season itself, Bradberry had a career-best 79.8 Pro Football Focus grade.
The 2021 season was one of the successful campaigns of his career. The veteran recorded a career-high four interceptions and a few fumbles to his name. He played a total of 92 games with the Panthers and Giants. At this point in time, it will be interesting to see how he can find a new landing spot for the upcoming season.
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