It was reported earlier this week that the New York Giants will likely be releasing former Pro Bowl cornerback James Bradberry after previously attempting to trade him. Bradberry has a $21.8 million cap hit and the Giants would free up nearly half of that towards their cap by releasing him.
That made Monday’s reports regarding Bradberry nearly a formality. The Giants officially announced that they have released Bradberry, who will likely be one of the higher priority free agents still available.
The Giants are releasing CB James Bradberry after failing to find a trade partner, per source. The move will create $10.1M in cap savings while leaving $11.7M in dead money.
(Savings will be $11.5M with $10.4M dead this year and $1.4M dead in 2023 if they make it a June 1 cut)
— Dan Duggan (@DDuggan21) May 9, 2022
This news has many around the NFL world wondering where Bradberry could end up signing ahead of the 2022 season.
James Bradberry has signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 3, 2, 1 …
— Matt Ehalt (@MattEhalt) May 9, 2022
@Brad_B21 👀👀👀👀
— BJ Hill (@BJHill5) May 9, 2022
I fully expect the Eagles and Washington to be the top suitors for James Bradberry now.
Not ideal. https://t.co/hPShcWuL4q
— Zack Rosenblatt (@ZackBlatt) May 9, 2022
I'd keep an eye on the Raiders for James Bradberry. Doesn't mean it's a sure thing, but they've been in on corners all winter, and this is a prime opportunity to add to the room.
— Matt Verderame (@MattVerderame) May 9, 2022
Bradberry had an excellent 2021 season, recording 4 interceptions in 16 starts for the Giants, proving that he still has plenty left in the tank.
This move seems to be strictly a salary move for the organization. Bradberry would likely still be their top cornerback option but, given their salary cap situation sitting at only $5.9 million available cap space before the move, they needed to free up salary-cap space to sign their incoming draft class.
The Giants received very few trade offers for Bradberry, but that was likely due to other teams just waiting the franchise out considering their cap situation.
Given Bradberry’s credentials, he will likely have no problem signing on with another team in the very near future, and will seemingly make a huge impact on whatever team wins the sweepstakes to sign him.
