3 free-agent linebackers the Panthers could sign post-draft

Nigel Bradham

There is plenty to like about the way Nigel Bradham works in coverage. However, his time with the Philadelphia Eagles last season was littered with missed tackles and he was a liability in run support.

These are the two primary traits you want an inside linebacker to thrive in. Bradham will be 31 by the time the new season rolls around, so he could bounce back in a new environment.

Another thing he has going for him is versatility. Bradham can operate at either inside or outside linebacker spots. This is something Matt Rhule targeted specifically in the draft; versatile figures that can be utilized in a variety of different areas of the field.

Filling the void left by Luke Kuechly is going to be too much for just one player, such was his contribution to the organization. Asking an undrafted free agent to come in and make an immediate impact is unrealistic, so a cheap option like Bradham might be a good short-term option that is a win-win for both parties.

Bradham’s next chance will probably be his last one to extend his career in the NFL. That will mean he is going to throw everything at it and that will benefit the team he ends up on a significant amount.

Whether this is an avenue the Panthers want to explore in 2020 remains to be seen.