Media by Associated Press – Philadelphia Eagles’ James Bradberry walks the field during the NFL Super Bowl 57 football game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Feb. 12, 2023, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
NFL free agency is getting ready to open up its tampering period next week. What that will allow for is for franchises to try and find veteran players to help solidify their teams for a chase after the Super Bowl.
While some teams will be leery of chasing big-money veterans, others will be willing to take a chance and hope they can transform their respective franchises.
Here’s a look at four players on defense that will command a big salary.
C.J. Gardner-Johnson, safety
Playing on a strong Philadelphia defense that helped the Eagles reach the Super Bowl season will pay off for several top players. Gardner-Johnson, who tied for a league-high six interceptions last season, will likely be departing the City of Brotherly Love to chase big money.
It’s hard to blame Gardner-Johnson, who started his career in New Orleans. In four NFL seasons, Gardner-Johnson has six interceptions and four sacks.
He is a strong player for the back of any secondary, having 36 career pass breakups to his name. Gardner-Johnson does have some durability issues, only playing in 12 games in each of the past two seasons.
James Bradberry, Cornerback
Bradberry has been a consistent playmaker since coming into the league in 2016 out of Samford. During his seven seasons in the league, Bradberry has intercepted at least one pass per season. Bradberry, who came over to the Eagles from New York last season, finished with three interceptions and scored a touchdown last season for Philadelphia.
Following a trip to the Super Bowl, Philadelphia won’t be able to afford every free agent. Expect Bradberry to hit the market, as the Eagles likely won’t be able to meet his price.
Jessie Bates III, Safety
Bates played on the franchise tag last season and did what he has always done since being drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in 2016, play good football. Bates finished with a career-high four interceptions and also finished with 71 tackles. Over the course of his career, Bates has been a consistent performer.
Bates has intercepted three or more passes in four of his first five seasons. Bates has also finished with 99 or more tackles in three of those seasons. Cincinnati doesn’t look like it wants to bring him on long-term, and another franchise will benefit from that.
Javon Hargrave, Defensive tackle
Hargrave has a history of leaving Pennsylvania NFL teams for better opportunities to make money elsewhere. Last season, Hargrave finished with a career-high 11 sacks as a member of a ferocious pass rush for the Eagles. Since leaving Pittsburgh, which drafted Hargrave in 2016, he has been one of the better interior pass rushers in the NFL.
During three seasons in Philadelphia, Hargrave has produced 23 sacks and helped the Eagles reach the Super Bowl last season. Due for another big payoff, Hargrave, now 30, may not be fit into the plans of Philadelphia. The Eagles will be in search of some cheaper players as they plan to sign some of their top young offensive players long-term.
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