Should The Colts Pursue James Bradberry?

It isn’t hard imagining cornerback James Bradberry wearing the Indianapolis Colts Horseshoe.

The New York Giants released Bradberry on May 9 after they couldn’t come up with a suitable trade package for him.

Apparently, the Giants couldn’t find a team willing to take Bradberry’s $13.5 million salary cap hit for the 2022 NFL campaign.

With Bradberry testing the free agent market, teams can sign him for a cheaper price.

The Colts still have approximately $13.46 million in cap space left so Braderry should fit right in.

The New York Giants just released James Bradberry

"He has all the tools you want at the CB position & he could be a very good piece for a defense" ~@DariusJButler#PMSLive pic.twitter.com/4QZ4g4ZPWv

— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) May 9, 2022

Rumblings about him going to the Colts have been going on since late March.

Now that he’s officially a free agent, the noise about Bradberry’s possible move to Indy has gotten louder.

Let’s delve deeper into that possibility.

What Does James Bradberry Bring To The Colts’ Table?

The Colts lost cornerback depth when they traded Rock Ya-Sin to the Las Vegas Raiders for defensive end Yannick Ngakoue two months ago.

Indy signed five-time Pro Bowl defensive back Stephon Gilmore last month to help offset Ya-Sin’s loss.

A secondary featuring Gilmore, Kenny Moore II, Isaiah Rodgers, Brandon Facyson, and Bradberry isn’t too shabby.

Gilmore, Moore, and Bradberry, who have combined for seven Pro Bowl berths, will lead the charge for Colts defensive backs coach Ron Milus.

Bradberry has recorded 15 interceptions and four forced fumbles in his six-year NFL career.

He was also a Pro Bowler in his final year with the Carolina Panthers following the 2019 NFL season.

With him on board, the Colts will improve their 19th-ranked pass defense which allowed an average of 234.1 yards per game in 2021.

Should the Colts pursue James Bradberry? pic.twitter.com/Ud7VoxucSk

— Matt Ryan Szn 🥶🥶 Bulls #6 (@IcyRyan_szn) May 9, 2022

His career picks, arm length, and Pro Bowl background make him the type of defensive back Colts GM Chris Ballard highly covets.

We’re talking about a disruptive cornerback who is just 28 years old.

With that in mind, Bradberry can earn a Pro Bowl nod or two at the peak of his NFL career in Indy.

Bradberry is also a great fit for the Colts’ zone defense – a similar system the Panthers implemented during his stay there from 2016 to 2019.

The Colts Should Sign Him ASAP

Should Ballard somehow snag Bradberry, the latter will compete with Rodgers for the other starting cornerback spot opposite Gilmore.

In case Bradberry wins that battle, Rodgers can do damage at special teams, where he has had some success as a kick return specialist.

Alternatively, Rodgers can back up Nyheim Hines at the punt return specialist position.

For his part, Kenny Moore II is the undisputed starter at slot corner and nickelback.

Regardless of the scenario that plays out, Bradberry will shore up the the Colts secondary and help them become postseason contenders in the 2022 NFL season.

Expect teams that need help in the secondary such as the Philadelphia Eagles to swoop in on Bradberry.

If Colts GM Chris Ballard can somehow sign Bradberry, Indy should be set at the secondary for the 2022 NFL campaign.