The New York Giants‘ defense was one of the best in the NFL last season. New York relied on the strength of its top-tier secondary, headlined by Pro Bowl cornerback James Bradberry. The Giants signed Bradberry in the 2020 offseason and the acquisition was instantly a home-run.
James Bradberry and the New York Giants agreed to a three-year, $43.5 million contract last offseason. This made Bradberry one of the highest-paid cornerbacks in the NFL and he met those expectations. James Bradberry earned his first career Pro Bowl selection in 2020 but was snubbed from the official All-Pro teams. Regardless, Bradberry established himself as a true shutdown cornerback and will continue to fit the bill in 2021.
James Bradberry stats and highlights
For the first four years of his career, James Bradberry spent his Sundays chasing around some of the best wide receivers in the NFL as a member of the Carolina Panthers. Playing in the NFC South, Bradberry had to face the likes of Julio Jones, Calvin Ridley, Michael Thomas, Mike Evans, and Chris Godwin twice per year.
James Bradberry gained valuable experience during his time in Carolina. He brought that experience to New York last year and dominated nearly every matchup he faced. James Bradberry had a breakout year in 2020. He set a new career-high with 18 passes defended, tied for the second-most in the NFL and only two behind Miami’s Xavien Howard for the league lead (Giants.com).
While 2020 was looked at as a breakout season for James Bradberry, he has quietly been one of the best boundary corners in the league for his entire career. James “Blanket” Bradberry leads the NFL in forced incompletions since 2018 with 42 total, putting him ahead of other stud corners like Carlton Davis and Stephon Gilmore (PFF).
The New York Giants have now paired James Bradberry with another stud cornerback on the outside. Adoree’ Jackson was signed this offseason to play opposite of Bradberry in 2021 and beyond. This will be one of the league’s best cornerback duos. Being surrounded with greater talent could lead to an even greater season from James Bradberry in 2021. Opposing wide receivers will be on lock all year by “The Blanket Bradberry.”