Ravens should put a deal on the table for CB James Bradberry

The Baltimore Ravens made important strides to improve their cornerback unit in the 2022 NFL Draft, but the team still needs veteran reinforcements. Why not pursue James Bradberry?

The New York Giants recently released the 28-year-old after failing to find a trade partner this offseason, and Bradberry will likely draw attention from all corner-needy teams.

Though Baltimore selected two rookie corners in this year’s draft, neither may be able to make an immediate impact in 2022. Fourth-rounder Jalyn Armour-Davis struggled with injury issues at Alabama (part of the reason why he fell so far down) and reportedly left practice early in rookie minicamp.

The team also selected Damarion Williams in the fourth round, but he has less upside than Amour-Davis and projects to be more of a depth piece than a key rotational member.

Rather than put undue pressure on the Day 3 rookies to perform from the start, Baltimore could easily boost its cornerback group with a seasoned pro like Bradberry.

The Ravens don’t desperately need cornerback James Bradberry but they should want him

Currently, the Ravens have two elite corners set to return to the field in 2022 after season-ending injuries: Marcus Peters and Marlon Humphrey. Those two possess the talent and experience to lock down the Ravens’ backfield — as long as they’re healthy.

Baltimore lost quite a large chunk of cornerback depth in Anthony Averett, Tavon Young, and Chris Westry earlier this offseason, not to mention Jimmy Smith may have plans to retire.

Other than Kevon Seymour, the team doesn’t really have dependable reinforcements behind Peters and Humphrey, which rightfully raises some cause for concern.

Given the Ravens’ terrible injury luck last year, the team should place an extra high premium on starting-caliber corners and has every reason to keep adding depth to their roster.

They already mined for young talent in a handful of rookies and undrafted free agents, but Bradberry offers solid starting-caliber potential, something that none of the corner additions can reliably provide.

Bradberry earned Pro Bowl honors in 2020 and has served as a productive member of the Giants’ defense for the past two years, recording 101 combined tackles, 35 passes defended, seven interceptions, and three recovered fumbles.

He’s played 15 games or more in each of the past five seasons and will slide in nicely in the Ravens’ defensive scheme should Peters or Humphrey miss time. Bradberry’s price tag may be a tad high for Baltimore and other teams will likely offer him more money; still, the Ravens should give him a call and put a reasonable deal on the table.

Landing a corner like Bradberry would elevate the Ravens’ pass defense to new heights and complete the team’s secondary unit for the upcoming season.

This is ultimately a very logical “Ravens” signing that could end up saving the team’s 2022 season, especially if an injury plague befalls Baltimore yet again.