NFL free agency update: Nigel Bradham re-signs with Eagles
The Philadelphia Eagles already have an embarrassment of riches in their front seven. But keeping it that way was a clear priority for the team in free agency as it re-signed linebacker Nigel Bradham.
If you’re an NFL quarterback in the NFC — especially in the NFC East — you’d better cross your fingers the Philadelphia Eagles’ front seven doesn’t cut your season short in 2018.
For a unit that already features Mychal Kendricks at weakside linebacker (or Corey Nelson if Kendricks is traded) and Jordan Hicks at middle linebacker, retaining Bradham makes this unit as deadly as ever for the Eagles.
Contract Details
NFL insider Ian Rapoport shared details of the deal Wednesday morning:
The #Eagles and LB Nigel Bradham agreed to terms on a 5-year deal worth $40M, source said. A clear priority.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 14, 2018
The deal could allow 28-year-old Bradham to spend the remainder of his career in Philadelphia.
National Reaction:
Word on the street, according to Peter King of The MMQB, was that the Eagles expected to lose Bradham in free agency. But in a statement on their website, the Eagles revealed that retaining Bradham was one of their biggest priorities in free agency:
"Nigel plays with tremendous energy and fire and has made a number of impact plays for us at the linebacker position. Keeping him here was a priority of ours and we are looking forward to his future here in Philadelphia."
Joe Giglio had some high words of praise for the deal:
Bringing back Nigel Bradham is the best move the Eagles will make this offseason.
— Joe Giglio (@JoeGiglioSports) March 14, 2018
Zach Berman said it was “the most important move they could have made”:
Eagles are re-signing Nigel Bradham. That's the most important move they could have made all offseason. Bradham is an ideal fit in Eagles D, flourished in 2018. Eagles wanted to keep Bradham, was a priority.
— Zach Berman (@ZBerm) March 14, 2018
Needless to say, Bradham himself was probably the most hyped by the signing:
https://www.instagram.com/p/BgTiHHHg7nb/?utm_source=ig_embed
Grade
Over the last two seasons, Bradham led the Eagles in tackles (184), sacks (three), forced fumbles (three), passes defensed (13), and defensive snaps played (1,913) among all linebackers.
Eagles general manager Howie Roseman is killing it this offseason, deftly navigating the salary cap to make key moves. Restructuring Lane Johnson’s contract helped him clear enough space to re-sign Bradham.
Roseman clearly understands which positions on his football team were instrumental in bringing Philadelphia a Lombardi Trophy after the 2017 season, and he’s doing a terrific job locking them down for 2018 and beyond.
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Given all their improvements in free agency, it won’t be surprising to see the Eagles return to the NFC Championship Game in 2018-19 to defend their title.
Grade: A