With the 2022 NFL Draft quickly approaching, the New York Giants are running out of time to open up enough salary space to sign their rookie class. While they don’t have to ink them to their contracts immediately, the Giants will have to be wary of their cap space, which currently sits at $6.8 million. The team needs about $10 million more for the rookies and a little cushion for the 2022 regular season.
One of the most obvious ways they can clear enough cap space is by trading or cutting cornerback James Bradberry, who’s coming off a relatively down season compared to his 2020 gem.
Last year, Bradberry allowed 729 yards and eight touchdowns, a significant downturn compared to the 454 yards and three touchdowns he allowed during his first season with a Giants.
If the Giants do decide to part ways with the veteran defensive back, they would save about $11.7 million in salary space, a number they desperately need at this point in time.
Zack Rosenblatt of NJ.com stated that James Bradberry isn’t expected to attend voluntary workouts as the Giants try to shop him:
But until Bradberry — who didn’t report for the start of voluntary offseason workouts and isn’t expected to — is dumped, the Giants don’t even have enough cap space to sign their draft class.
The Giants have time to trade Bradberry, but not too much:
There are plenty of players who don’t attend voluntary workouts, but Bradberry usually isn’t one of them. Bradberry has stayed away from the team and is waiting patiently for their move, indicating he likely will be traded if new general manager Joe Schoen can find a partner.
The primary issue is finding a team willing to pick up his salary hit and offer draft capital as compensation. The Kansas City Chiefs are reportedly interested in Bradberry’s services, and with Stephon Gilmore signing with the Indianapolis Colts, there is an absolute need for premium corners on the market.
I wouldn’t be surprised if Bradberry was a draft-day trade, especially if a prospective team loses out on the opportunity to draft a preferred corner. The Giants could gain in a bit of leverage in the situation, so they might be waiting patiently to find the best offer available.