Multiple sources from the combine say Panthers CB James Bradberry, one of the top corners on the market, is aiming for $15 or more million per year on a new deal. Washington among teams expected to be involved. Byron Jones, Bradberry and others plan to reset corner market.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) February 29, 2020
According to a report by Jeremy Fowler at ESPN, Panthers cornerback and pending free agent James Bradberry is aiming to sign for $15 million or more per year on his next contract.
That amount might sound high, but it’s fairly typical for what a player like Bradberry makes these days. The starting cornerbacks who have been extended or signed recently earn around $14 million per season. Xavien Howard of the Dolphins currently leads the position in yearly salary at just over $15 million, per Over the Cap.
Bradberry has developed into a solid, above-average starter for Carolina’s secondary. However, giving him what he wants would represent a massive investment in a defender who has been inconsistent at times during his career and has never made the Pro Bowl.
On the other hand, allowing Bradberry to walk and sign with another team could be disastrous. If he leaves, the Panthers would be left with Cole Luke and Donte Jackson as the only true corners on the roster, as Ross Cockrell and Javien Elliott are also both about to become free agents.
This is supposed to be a deep cornerback draft class, but letting Bradberry leave would still represent a huge risk.
This is definitely a difficult decision for general manager Marty Hurney. If he’s wary of agreeing to a long-term deal, he may decide to use the franchise tag.
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