Eagles’ stunt turns into valuable ‘safety net’

PHILADELPHIA — Veteran quarterback-turned-linebacker James Bradberry was far from a sure bet to play in Philadelphia on Aug. 5.

Life moves fast in the NFL. After C.J. Gardner-Johnson put in a great performance in one-on-one drills with star quarterback Dallas Goedert, the brash quarterback was moving to the middle with an undisclosed injury.

CJGJ’s next replacement was Bradberry, a 2022 second-team All-Pro who, despite trade rumors, is still playing in Philadelphia.

As August draws to a close and Bradberry remains on the roster, his chances of starting the season with the Eagles increase.

The Eagles are currently missing three defensive players: Gardner-Johnson, Sydney Brown (recovering from a torn ACL) and Mekhi Garner (hamstring strain) are on the injured list.

The move to defensive end was Bradberry’s idea to add value to an organization that had been devoting significant resources to bolstering the cornerback position this offseason.

“That was my thought after the season. I went down there and had a meeting. I just wanted to try it out,” Bradberry said last month.

So far, Bradberry has been doing quite well because football IQ travels.

“So far, everything has been going smoothly,” Bradberry said of the move. “I think it’s mostly learning how to communicate. You definitely have to talk more when you’re out there, make sure you’re answering your phone and getting the communication out to the linebackers and cornerbacks.”

Pressed into action on Monday, Bradberry appeared calm, composed and not at all overwhelmed.

“He’s smart. He doesn’t miss a beat,” safety Reed Blankenship said. “It’s funny because we joke now that he’s asking me questions. I used to be the one asking him questions about what I should do when I was a rookie. It’s different now, and it’s really cool. He’s a quick learner. He’s an athlete, he’s smart, and that’s what a safety should be.”

Veteran defensive coordinator Vic Fangio noted how difficult that transition could be.

“The list of guys who have successfully transitioned from cornerback to safety is very small, but they have successfully transitioned,” Fangio said. “There are guys who have done it, but it really wasn’t what you wanted. Let’s see if he can do it.”

It’s still unlikely that Bradberry will be in the Eagles’ plans at defensive quarterback this season, but what once looked like a marketing ploy to allow Howie Roseman to become a conditional draft pick later is now shaping up to be a real “safety net” for the Eagles defense.

“James has a good feel for football,” Fangio said. “Very well-rounded. That will help him in this transition.”

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