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Former Eagles linebacker Nigel Bradham wasn’t with the Saints (and their “winning organization”) for very long. After recently signing with New Orleans in early-August, Bradham was released on Monday morning — less than three weeks before the season opener.
A surprise Monday morning release: the Saints cut veteran LB Nigel Bradham, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 24, 2020
This also comes just a week after he made some head-scratching comments about how it’s different joining a winning environment and culture. Bradham joined the Eagles in 2016, so he technically joined the organization during a transition period... but, still.
Despite being the most veteran LB on the roster, the Eagles didn’t pick up Bradham’s option for 2020.
After signing with the Saints, BGN’s Brandon Gowton explained:
“Bradham started out at SAM in 2016 but then had to play MIKE when Jordan Hicks got hurt during the 2017 season. Bradham played really well en route to the Eagles winning the Super Bowl that season. PFF had him as like the top graded LB in coverage. Bradham played more MIKE in 2018 when Hicks got hurt and then again in 2019 after Hicks left. He was the only LB on the field when the Eagles used dime.
I like Bradham but it was an easy call for the Eagles to cut him to clear $4.5 million. He turns 31 in September, he’s had some off field issues, and his production just hasn’t been there. He only has 1 INT (on a tipped ball) and zero FF in his last 30 games. I think he can be serviceable; you can certainly win with him. But you can’t be counting on him for big plays at this point.”
Just as news broke on Monday about Bradham’s release from New Orleans, Schwartz was talking to the media about how this limited offseason made it more difficult for rookies, especially at linebacker, to get up to speed. Aside from the 3 rookies, the Eagles have Nate Gerry, Duke Riles, TJ Edwards and Alex Singleton at the position — not exactly a notable group.