The Bucs’ cornerback room looks pretty set after retaining Carlton Davis and drafting Zyon McCollum this offseason. However, could they add another veteran to the mix? We know they looked into Patrick Peterson before he re-signed with the Vikings. But now, another potential fit is on the market after the Giants parted ways with James Bradberry on Monday.
There are several reasons to consider making a play for him, however unlikely it might be. First is the scheme fit. Bradberry has the traditional size the Bucs look for, as he is 6-foot-1. Excellent in man coverage, he also excels in zone as well. Head coach Todd Bowles likes to have versatility with his corners, and having two shutdown guys on the outside would make life very difficult for opposing quarterbacks. Bradberry had a down year in 2021, but he has been solid in coverage, run defense and tackling throughout his career.
Of course, the big question is whether or not the Bucs can afford him. Much like with Logan Ryan, the Giants bit the bullet by cutting Bradberry. They owe him $2 million of his salary for this upcoming season. Though there is offset language in terms of the money remaining, Bradberry could double dip if he signs for the veteran minimum. He will have suitors, namely the Chiefs and Eagles. But if he is looking for a place to rehab his market with a chance to win, the Bucs might offer an easier path.
Another possible lure could be none other than Ryan, a recent teammate. Ryan signed with the Bucs quickly after the Giants released him. If Bradberry were to consider Tampa Bay, he’d have someone in the organization to vouch for him. It’s not just Ryan’s voice that could be heard either.
Mutual Respect Between Bucs’ Evans, Bradberry

Bucs WR Mike Evans – Photo by: USA Today
Tampa Bay wide receiver Mike Evans offered high praise for Bradberry in the past and they have a mutual respect for one another.
“He’s a really good player,” Evans said of Bradberry. “I like his game a lot. Real physical.”
Answering a question earlier this year about which cornerback gives him the most trouble in one-on-one matchups, Evans named Bradberry as one of three corners.
“I would say Marshon Lattimore, Jalen Ramsey and James Bradberry – those three guys always make for a battle,” Evans said.
Meanwhile, Bradberry once called Evans one of the toughest receivers he’s ever matched up against.
“The guy’s 6-5, he runs very fluently, has good body control down the field at the point of attack,” Bradberry said. “He’s stronger than people realize. And he’s tough to bring down after he catches the ball.”
The Bucs will most likely do their due diligence on Bradberry. Jamel Dean is currently penciled in as the starter opposite Davis, but we’ve heard how this team wants to breed competition, especially in the secondary. With the league turning into a passing league and the amount of injuries that occurred last season, having a strong stable of corners is important now more than ever. The Bucs would be wise to at least kick the tires on Bradberry.
Hopefully this is where the power of Brady comes in. If we can get Bradberry, Melvin Ingram and Gronk…I am 100% in on this team for SuperBowl.
Yes they for sure need another pass rusher as well.
If they can sign Bradberry, they should do it. You can’t have enough food players. The Rams and Saints keep adding talent and we need to do the same.
Ok that would make me feel better about it taking one in this draft if so. We have a serious lack of talent at CB still. That is a fact. SMB sucks.
The Bucs would be better off signing a couple of stud pass rushers if there are any left. Give a QB too much time in the pocket and he will slice you up. Brady wasn’t bothered by the Rams DB’s in the last game, it was the relentless pass rush that got to him. Stop with the stupid more DB talk.
One more veteran Pass rusher would be welcome too for sure, but saying looking for another proven CB is stupid? What is stupid was all 3 CB’s were hurt last year. It’s also stupid that SMB is as bad as he is still years later. We have never had more than one very good CB last several years. I’ve seen this secondary get shredded too many times. Yes pass rush is part of that, but they would be stupid not to at least look at Bradbury and see if he makes sense financially.
Check out my post on The Red Board to discuss. If we can afford him, he would make for a great addition to our very young and talented secondary.
“With the league turning into a passing league…”
Hahahaha… I think it was “turning” into a passing league 30 years ago. It’s been pass dominated for long time… There’s no more turning.
I don’t know how we can afford him, but if we can, for sure sign him. Our secondary were pathetic towards the end of the season. Bad plays, injury, slow hired hand that also got injured. etc