Nigel

Bradham

The soon-to-be 31-year-old (on September 4) lasted 24 days with New Orleans after spending five months on the open market following his release from the Eagles. Bradham has consistently graded out positively at Pro Football Focus, but his career appears to be at a crossroads. He’ll look to latch on elsewhere with a different contender.

Bradham is an eight-year veteran who has compiled at least 51 tackles in each NFL season. His leadership and experience will help round out the New Orleans front seven that already had a lot of names at linebacker. Expect Bradham to rotate with Kiko Alonso as the Saints look to get back to the Super Bowl. They have one of the deepest rosters in the NFL.

The move creates $4.5 million in cap space. An Eagles starter since 2016, 30-year-old Bradham spent most of his 2019 time in the middle. He had an unexcused absence from the team late in training camp but escaped without suspension. He did miss four games with injury. Also an ex-Bill, Bradham will turn 31 the opening month of the season. The Eagles are currently very thin at linebacker.

He missed the team bus for their preseason finale against the Jets last Thursday. Bradham, who wasn’t scheduled to play anyway, was feeling under the weather but didn’t notify his coaches that he was skipping the trip to East Rutherford. There was speculation Bradham could be benched for going AWOL, though coach Doug Pederson insists the matter will be handled internally. For his part, Bradham vowed that he’s committed to “better communication” going forward. The no-show was a bad look for Bradham, but his slip-up appears to be water under the bridge.

Bradham underwent surgery on Monday, but he still expects to play. It is not a surprise considering he continued playing after suffering the injury last week against the Giants. The Eagles play Washington on Monday night.

Bradham broke his thumb in three places during last week’s win over the Giants, but nonetheless played all 61 of the Eagles’ defensive snaps. The veteran linebacker is fully expected to suit up for Monday night’s must-win game against Washington.

Bradham is a speed ‘backer that will compete for snaps in passing situations right away. He can certainly cover at the NFL level. The problem is that he showed poorly against the run and failed to shed blocks consistently at Florida State.

Florida State’s defensive captain in 2011, Bradham led the Seminoles in tackles in each of the past three seasons. He projects long-term as an outside linebacker in Buffalo, but will help immediately on special teams coverage.

Top Bills beat writer Joe Buscaglia believes Bradham has a chance to emerge as Buffalo’s No. 4 linebacker, but the team is taking care not to pump him up heading into camp. Bradham says he’s focused on special teams. “Yes, most definitely I am sure hoping I will be able to get out there and contribute on special teams anyway I can.”

Nick Barnett and Kirk Morrison, the team’s projected starters on the outside, both sat out, which allowed additional work for Bradham. The rookie figures to focus mainly on special teams this season, but his speed could earn him reps in passing situations.