The Jets are in need of a cornerback this offseason, and it appears they have one in their sights.
According to The Athletic’s Connor Hughes, the Jets have strong interest in Panthers cornerback James Bradberry. However, they do have company for Bradberry’s services. The Jets are among 22 teams to make calls for Bradberry, as the Panthers are not expected to use their franchise tag on him once the new league year opens.
According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, Bradberry is seeking $15 or more million per year on a new deal. The Washington Redskins pose a threat as a potential suitor, as Ron Rivera was Bradberry’s former coach down in Carolina.
Bradberry, 26, is entering his fifth year in the league out of Samford. He had one of the best seasons of his career last year with 51 total tackles, one sack, 12 pass breakups and three interceptions. He’s only missed four games in his entire career and only one in the last three seasons.
New York desperately needs solid cornerbacks after playing with a lot of unestablished players in 2019. Gregg Williams did a fantastic job with what he had, but at some point he needs to have some talented cornerbacks.
The Jets haven’t had a lot luck lately when dealing out big money for cornerbacks. Most notably, the Jets handed Trumaine Johnson a five-year, $72.5 million deal in 2018. He’ll likely be cut in the coming weeks. The Jets also signed Darrelle Revis to a five-year, $70 million deal in 2015 that lasted for all of two seasons. Both of those were at the hands of former general manager Mike Maccagnan, though.
The draft is also a place the Jets can get cornerbacks, more specifically in the middle rounds. Whether it’s in free agency or in the draft, this team needs cornerbacks to keep their defense afloat next season.