Monday, February 11, 2013
Arizona's thoughts on Bradley
By Tim Kavanagh
When the Arizona Cardinals signed veteran ILB Stewart Bradley prior to the 2011 season, they did so with the acknowledgement that it may take him a season or more to adjust to their 3-4 scheme after playing MLB within the Eagles' 4-3 alignment previously. Unfortunately, things didn't get much better in 2012, either, and the Cards are now faced with a tough decision on him, in light of the news that new DC Todd Bowles will be sticking with the 3-4.
On the one hand, Bradley could fill the hole that will be left once Paris Lenon is left to leave. The impending unrestricted free agent is going to turn 36 in November, and this is the type of player that is generally let go when a new coaching staff comes in, as noted by Darren Urban of AZCardinals.com. On the other hand, the club could save $3.5 million in salary cap space by cutting Bradley, who played primarily on special teams in 2012 and finished with just 11 total tackles.
The solution could be a contract restructuring -- i.e. a pay cut -- and it's also possible we'll see the Cards look to bolster their LB corps in the draft. Fellow ILB Daryl Washington is a building block, and the OLB slots are locked down by O'Brien Schofield and Sam Acho, but some insurance at any of the spots is a wise move (and in Bradley's case, they may be drafting a starter).
