Carolina Panthers: Paying James Bradberry top-dollar seems unlikely
The cornerback probably won’t get big-time money from the Carolina Panthers.
I am not sure where cornerback James Bradberry will end up playing in 2019, but judging by his comments, it doesn’t sound like he will begin the 2020 season with the Carolina Panthers. Bradberry wants to get paid. I don’t blame him for that. However, will the Carolina Panthers pay him top dollar?
He recorded 65 tackles, three interceptions, and a forced fumble in 2019. The 65 tackles were down from his 70 last season, but the three interceptions were the most to this point in his career. In addition, he recorded a sack for the third straight year. If nothing else, he was consistent for yet another season.
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His best game of the season was undoubtedly against Tampa Bay on October 13. In that contest, he recorded a season-high 11 tackles. In addition, he was active in finding the football, recording two interceptions and four pass deflections. Those numbers would all be season-highs for him. He also played all 80 defensive snaps in that game and five snaps on special teams.
As reported in a quote from the Carolina Panthers website, he is adamant that he should be paid top-dollar. It’s interesting to hear him say this, considering he is almost always reserved when talking to the media. However, he is in the prime of his career right now, so I certainly couldn’t fault him for wanting to make the most money he can.
"“I feel like I’m a top corner in this league,” Bradberry said, “and I want to be compensated as such.“I’m open to any and all possibilities,” he added. “I understand this is a business. We’ll see what happens.”"
I certainly hope that Sunday was not his last game in a Panthers uniform. However, I don’t see Carolina paying top-dollar for him. He is a good corner, but not one of the elite ones in the National Football League. This is going to be an offseason of change for the team and the organization. I could see someone out-bidding the Panthers, especially in a pass-heavy league. Just like he said, we’ll see what happens.
It’ll be interesting to see how this situation plays out. I’m hoping it works out for both parties. That being said, I could see Bradberry walking away from the Panthers and getting a better deal elsewhere. I wouldn’t blame him. It would just be difficult to see him leave the organization. Nevertheless, football is very much a business.