4 former Carolina Panthers with plenty on the line in Week 13
By Dean Jones
James Bradberry – CB
If there was one player that the Carolina Panthers wish they hadn’t let go in free agency, it would be James Bradberry. The cornerback has risen his game considerably since signing a big-money deal with the New York Giants and this has played a leading role for them this season.
Somehow, the Giants are still leading the moribund NFC East with a 4-7 record. They might be without quarterback Daniel Jones through injury, which will pile even more pressure on the defensive unit to come up with the goods when it matters most.
Bradberry will be at the heart of this on the backend, something he has handled in an accomplished fashion in 2020. The former second-round pick has given up 33 receptions from 59 targets, forced the league’s most incompletions, hauled in three interceptions, and has an eye-catching 74.9 grade from Pro Football Focus to show for his efforts.
Money well spent, some might say.
The Panthers simply weren’t in a position to – or didn’t want to – extend Bradberry. However, looking at his production during the campaign it’s hard not to look back to this decision with some semblance of regret and another that general manager Marty Hurney would probably like to have back.
Bradberry will get all he can handle against the Seahawks in the form of D.J. Metcalf, who is one of the NFL’s most imposing young wide receivers.