In the high-stakes world of NFL roster building, few coaches maneuver like Pete Carroll. The 73-year-old maestro, whose defensive genius birthed the Legion of Boom in Seattle, thrives on reinvention. Think of him as the NFL’s answer to Bruce Springsteen—always working on a comeback tour, turning underdogs into headliners. This offseason, whispers swirl that Carroll’s cooking up another vintage recipe in Las Vegas. But the secret ingredient? That’s still under wraps.
Across the league, salary cap gymnastics have become as quintessentially American as Fourth of July fireworks. Teams shuffle veterans like blackjack dealers at a Vegas table—hold ’em, fold ’em, or let ’em walk. One name lingers in the discard pile: a former Pro Bowl cornerback whose 2024 vanished fast. And Carroll, ever the opportunist, might just be reaching for his wallet.
The Philadelphia Eagles have parted ways with James Bradberry, a 2022 Second-Team All-Pro cornerback, after a torn Achilles sidelined him for all of 2024. The move saves Philly $2.1 million in cap space. Bradberry’s 2023 struggles (11 TDs allowed, 114.3 passer rating against) contrast sharply with his 2022 dominance (3 TDs allowed, 54.7 passer rating against). Now, Pete Carroll’s Raiders and the Dolphins are circling. “I’ve been around for quite a bit. It [injury] just gave me a little hunger to get back out there and try to prove myself again,” Bradberry told the Philadelphia Inquirer.
Carroll, rebuilding Las Vegas’ secondary after cutting Jack Jones and losing Nate Hobbs, sees Bradberry as a low-risk, high-reward gamble. The Raiders’ cornerback room lacks experience, and Bradberry’s 124 career starts could stabilize a group leaning on rookies Decamerion Richardson and Jakorian Bennett. Meanwhile, Miami’s interest hinges on Jalen Ramsey’s expected exit. The Dolphins, armed with $16.5 million in cap space, have also chatted with Rasul Douglas and Asante Samuel Jr. But Bradberry’s price tag—likely near the veteran minimum—fits both teams’ budgets.
Pete Carroll’s career is littered with defensive resurrections. Richard Sherman? A fifth-round pick turned All-Pro. Brandon Browner? A CFL castoff turned Super Bowl champ. In Bradberry, Carroll spies another diamond in the rough. The Raiders’ defense ranked 15th against the pass in 2024, and Bradberry’s physicality (6’1”, 212 lbs) aligns with Carroll’s preference for lengthy, press-man corners. But risks loom.
The #Raiders and #Dolphins have had interest in former #Eagles CB James Bradberry pic.twitter.com/JUEiiFRVIJ
— NFL Rumors (@nflrums) May 21, 2025
Bradberry turns 32 in August and hasn’t played since August 2024. His attempted transition to safety last summer—before the Achilles tear—raised eyebrows. “Bradberry’s transition to safety has been slow,” wrote the Philadelphia Inquirer’s Jeff McLane. “He’s not viewed as an outside CB by most anymore.” Still, Carroll’s system prioritizes versatility. If Bradberry’s health checks out, he could slot into nickel packages or mentor Las Vegas’ young DBs. But Las Vegas isn’t putting all its chips on Bradberry.
The Raiders hosted Michigan’s Will Johnson, a 6’2” cornerback likened to Jaycee Horn, for a pre-draft visit. But Carroll knows rookies rarely fix pass defenses overnight. Veterans like Rasul Douglas and Stephon Gilmore linger in free agency, but Bradberry’s affordability stands out. Meanwhile, for Miami, patience is key.
Dolphins’ dilemma: Ramsey’s shadow
Asante Samuel Jr.’s July medical checkup could reignite talks, and Douglas’s $6 million asking price might drop. But Bradberry’s leadership—he mentored Eagles rookies during his “player-coach” 2024—adds intangible value. As Carroll often says, “Always compete.” Bradberry, desperate for a roster spot, embodies that mantra. Meanwhile, Miami’s secondary sits at a crossroads.
Trading Jalen Ramsey (post-June 1) would save $20.1 million but leave a gaping hole. Fifth-round pick Jason Marshall isn’t ready to start, and 2023 second-rounder Cam Smith has underwhelmed. Enter Bradberry: a temporary fix with playoff pedigree. The Dolphins explored Samuel Jr. and Douglas, but Bradberry’s familiarity with NFC East foes (he’s faced Dallas and Washington twice yearly) adds strategic value.
Jan 21, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles cornerback James Bradberry (24) reacts in the first half against the New York Giants during an NFC divisional round game at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Miami had initial contact with Bradberry, reported the Miami Herald’s Barry Jackson. No offer followed, but the door remains open. For GM Chris Grier, signing Bradberry would mirror 2022’s low-cost gamble on Melvin Ingram—a move that fueled a playoff push. With the AFC East up for grabs, Miami needs depth. Bradberry, hungry to prove he’s not done, fits the bill.
Pete Carroll’s pursuit of James Bradberry, meanwhile, isn’t about nostalgia. It’s a calculated bet on resilience—a trait Carroll’s champions share. For Miami, Bradberry represents a bridge to their next defensive era. Both teams need a cornerback who’s stared down adversity and lived to tell.
Bradberry’s journey mirrors a line from The Natural: ‘We’ve all got two lives. The second one starts when we realize we only have one.’ Can he rewrite his story in 2025? Or will Father Time intercept his comeback? The Raiders and Dolphins are rolling the dice. Who’s willing to bet against them?
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