Green Bay Packers: 5 Bargains available in second wave of free agency
By Joe Kipp
4. Nigel Bradham, LB
Even though the Packers signed free agent Christian Kirksey last month, the depth at the linebacker position is rather thin. The team allowed Blake Martinez to sign with the New York Giants, which means Oren Burks and Ty Summers remain as the two best options behind Kirksey.
Burks has yet to show any growth as a player in his two seasons, while Summers was almost exclusively a special teams player in his rookie season.
The Packers could stand to add another talent at linebacker, particularly as it pertains to covering tight ends in space. Kirksey is more suited as a run-stuffing linebacker, which means Green Bay still needs a linebacker who excels in coverage. Free agent Nigel Bradham fits the bill here.
Bradham, 30, was released by the Philadelphia Eagles earlier this offseason after signing a big money contract in 2015. He missed four games in 2019 due to an ankle injury. Set to turn 31 years old before the start of the 2020 season, Bradham could come at a bargain price.
But just because he’s older doesn’t mean Bradham wouldn’t be productive. According to PFF (subscription required), he was the 11th best linebacker in pass coverage in 2019. A two-year, $10 million deal with heavy incentives could be enough to sway Bradham.