Newly hired New York Giants general manager Joe Schoen made it apparent on Day 1 that his offseason goal was to clear salary cap space. That meant players like Saquon Barkley and James Bradberry would become potentially expendable.
Based on early trends, it does not appear as if Barkley will be dealt. Even if he were, the return would be minimal. However, the same can not be said for Bradberry, who is expected to draw significant interest on the trade market.
Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports that the Giants should expect a heavy flow of inquiries.
From NFL Now: While the #Giants aren't expected to trade Saquon Barkley, CB James Bradberry could be had in a trade. Teams are expected to inquire about the former big ticket FA, who is in the last year of his deal. pic.twitter.com/EoRXfLWwyy
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 4, 2022
“One player who may end up getting traded — certainly will be the subject of trade calls — is James Bradberry,” Rapoport said. “The big-ticket free agent from several years ago is still playing at a high level. . . He is expected to be a player that teams are going to call on. And potentially, the Giants will listen.”
The 28-year-old Bradberry is entering the final year of a three-year deal that was signed in 2020. He’s owed a salary of $13.4 million this season, which adds up to a total cap hit of $21.86 million. By trading Bradberry, the Giants would clear as much as $12.14 million, but that could carry a dead cap hit of over $9.7 million.
Schoen and the Giants have already showed a willingness to absorb dead cap if it means clearing space. They released tight end Kyle Rudolph and running back Devontae Booker earlier this week, and have asked wide receiver Sterling Shepard to take a significant pay cut.
What the Giants could potentially get in return for Bradberry is the real question. Early speculation is that he’d net no more than a third-round pick, which is probably more than enough for the salary-strapped Giants.
