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Former Eagles’ LB Nigel Bradham reached agreement on a one-year deal with the New Orleans Saints, per @Rosenhaussports.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 30, 2020
The New Orleans Saints agreed to terms on a one-year contract with former Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Nigel Bradham on Thursday, reported ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Bradham had been a free agent since the Eagles released him back in February.
Bradham was one of the more experienced linebackers available in free agency; turning 31 in September, he started all 64 games he appeared in for the Eagles (including the playoffs) since joining them back in 2016. Before that, he started 38 of 57 games played with the Buffalo Bills as a fourth-round draft pick in 2012.
The veteran is known for his skills in defending the run and for dropping back into pass coverage; last season, he notched 61 combined tackles while intercepting a pass and deflecting five others in 12 games played. At this late stage in the offseason, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a stronger resume to find in free agency.
Bradham’s arrival comes a day after Saints coach Sean Payton said that Kiko Alonso may be unavailable for the opening of training camp; Alonso suffered a torn ACL in the Saints’ playoff loss to the Minnesota Vikings in January. If nothing else, adding Bradham to the mix with Alonso, Alex Anzalone, and rookie draft pick Zack Baun ensures that the Saints will be trotting out the best possible No. 2 linebacker to run with 2019 All-Pro Demario Davis.
Other names to remember include former Pittsburgh Steelers backup Anthony Chickillo, Michigan State Spartans rookie free agent Joe Bachie, and longtime Saints special teams captain Craig Robertson. Plus last year’s late-round gem, Kaden Elliss out of Idaho, who was carving out a role for himself before suffering his own ACL injury.
Because the Saints had two players opt out due to the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic — backup tight ends Cole Wick and Jason Vander Laan — they won’t have to make a corresponding roster move to add Bradham. All NFL teams must cut their rosters down to 80 players by Aug. 17, however, so stay tuned for updates in the weeks ahead.
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