Around The Corner

PHILADELPHIA – Through the highs and lows of his Eagles tenure, James Bradberry has remained gracious and even-keeled, a consummate class act.

Always thoughtful, candid and insightful, the Eagles’ newest safety on Saturday processed each question – as he typically does – while seated at the podium at the NovaCare Complex before answering.

“Why not?” Bradberry, a converted cornerback, responded when initially asked about his thought process behind transitioning to safety.

“It was my thought after the season,” he said. “I went to them and had a meeting. And I just wanna try it out.”

ITB PHOTO: Eagles DB James Bradberry volunteered to move to safety after a dismal 2022 at cornerback.

Much has been made regarding the uncertainty of Bradberry’s future following a 2023 steep decline in the aftermath of a 2022 second-team All-Pro season.

Shrewd and technical operating on the island opposite fellow corner Darius Slay, Bradberry was a key component to the Eagles’ Super Bowl defense laced with playmakers.

The 30-year-old defensive back was brilliant that season. But the 2023 season for Bradberry felt like quicksand, as the veteran defender sunk progressively deeper with each passing week.

While questions lingered throughout the offseason about Bradberry’s future, it’s been merely speculation to this point.

Bradberry, right now, is on the team. Rather than dwell on circumstances out of his control, he’s remaining present in the moment.

“A lot of that is out of my control,” Bradberry said. “As far as right now, I’m still under contract for two years. I got one year guaranteed. So, I try not to put too much thought into it.

“Just tried to enjoy my time with my family. Of course, I was up here for OTAs for a little minute. Just try to do my part as far as whatever the coaches ask me to do. And that was it. I try not to put too much thought into it, honestly.”

The move to safety, Bradberry said, was his idea. After the season, he met with the coaches and proposed the move to safety.

His defensive coordinator, Vic Fangio, was receptive to the request.

“James has got a good feel for football,” Fangio said last week. “Very knowledgeable. So that will help him in that transition. He’s still going to play some corner for us, too.”

Bradberry is hardly new to safety. He played safety his junior year at Pleasant Grove High School in Birmingham, Ala. and was recruited out of high school to play safety.

But he spoke about the various demands of the position and how they compared to his former job.

As Bradberry explained, outside cornerbacks aren’t required to communicate as much, or learn every other position.

At safety, he said, knowing what the inside defenders’ responsibilities entail is paramount, especially for pressure schemes.

It’s a position predicated on processing information, communication and an affinity for physicality.

Right now, Bradberry is fixated on learning a new position for the greater good of the team – and for himself.

The early returns, he said, are positive.

“It’s going smooth so far,” Bradberry said. “I think it’s mainly just learning the communication. You definitely gotta talk more when you’re out there. Make sure you get the call and the communication out to the linebackers and the corners.”

It appears Bradberry saw the writing on the wall and merely expedited the process.

He acknowledged the recent additions at corner, including former Colts corner Isaiah Rodgers coming off a one-year suspension, and had anticipated the Eagles upgrading the position via the NFL Draft, which they did by using their first two picks on defensive backs.

Assessing the safety room – much leaner by comparison– coupled with the fact he’d played dime at the end of last season in addition to experimenting some at nickelback, Bradberry saw a natural fit.

Through three practices, Bradberry has navigated his new position with apparently little turbulence, running with the second team opposite Tristin McCollum.

Bradberry, positive and optimistic while traversing new terrain, is wired to persevere through challenges. For as long as Bradberry is with the Eagles, he should remain no different.

His length and high-level football intellect are attributes that would appear to translate favorably.

Bradberry’s inherent understanding of the game, along with his ability to process and see the full field, should help his transition. He also has experience guarding tight ends, shown last season as well as in his time with the New York Giants.

With his skill set, Bradberry could potentially thrive defending in confined spaces.

“I try to be adaptable,” he said. “I’m on the team right now, so while I’m on the team, I want to find a role on this team. And I feel like if I’m a versatile player, there’ll be a role.

“And of course I want to start. Now where I’m gonna start? I don’t know. But I’m working right now at safety to see if I can learn it and play that and be a valuable asset to the team right there.

“And of course, we already have two starters – and we also drafted a guy in the first round – and Isaiah Rodgers is really good. So, I’m just trying to find my role right now.”

– Andrew DiCecco (@AndrewDiCecco) is a Staff Reporter/Content Producer for InsideTheBirds.com.