Nigel Bradham

New York Giants could pick up former Eagles linebacker in free agency

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New York Giants, Nigel Bradham

The New York Giants are in the market for a new linebacker, and if they don’t land Isaiah Simmons in the draft, there are a few free-agent options that could fit the bit.

A new target might have emerged on Tuesday, as the Philadelphia Eagles cut Nigel Bradham to open up more cap space. Formerly a fourth-round pick by the Buffalo Bills, Bradham was hampered in 2019 with an ankle injury, recording 61 tackles and an interception over 12 games.

Bradham offers a quality linebacker in coverage, but his injury history is a concern. The Giants could bring him in on a team-friendly deal to act as a backup or potential starter depending on how he looks in training camp and pre-season.

The New York Giants should be all over Nigel Bradham:

If I were GM Dave Gettleman, I would be considering the defender heavily, as he offers plenty of value in the middle of the defense, even if they select Simmons in the draft. It will be necessary for the Clemson standout to have veteran experience around him as he adapts to the NFL level (theoretically).

Not only was Bradham a key piece on the Eagles’ defense since 2016, but his cutting with just semantics. They needed to clear cap-space and embark on a mini-rebuild. The Giants could easily benefit from this decision, as he would offer a quality cover-linebacker in the middle of the defense and would supplement any injuries that could arise.

Nigel is a solid tackler with the ability to play multiple positions in the middle of the defense. New head coach for the New York Giants, Joe Judge, made it known that he wants his team to be diverse and adaptable if he requires them to fill other roles. I believe Judge will be intrigued by Bradham’s quality of play and leader-mentality.

This Linebacker Could Complement Alec Ogletree Perfectly

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The New York Giants have begun upgrading the defense, starting with former Los Angeles Rams linebacker Alec Ogletree. General manager Dave Gettleman is setting the tone early in free agency by trading for the former Ram.

The Giants gave their compensatory fourth-round pick and a sixth-rounder for Ogletree, who also came with a 2019 seventh-rounder. It seems as if the Rams were willing to part ways with the linebacker to ensure they could resign defensive tackle Aaron Donald.

What type of player is Ogletree?

The Giants are receiving a physical player in Ogletree, who can be used off the edge and on blitzing plays. His size and strength will be perfect for a James Bettcher defense looking to play a potential 3-4.

But to complement a strong blitzing linebacker, the Giants must also find a solid coverage LB in the draft or through free agency.

Here’s one that would be a perfect fit on the defense:

Philadelphia Eagles’ Nigel Bradham is the perfect player to work alongside Ogletree in the middle of the field. His abilities in coverage are superior. Bradham recorded 61 total tackles and eight passes defended in 2017.

Adding him to the mix of linebackers would significantly strengthen the middle of the field, and provide the defensive line with ample support when it comes to rushing the quarterback.

Bradham may be costly for the Giants, but far less than Ogletree. He might cost them somewhere in the $5-6 million per-season range.