As the Philadelphia Eagles head into the final stretch of summer practices and ramp up for preseason 2025, one conversation continues to dominate sports radio, fan forums, and Eagles Twitter: What’s going on with James Bradberry — and is it time to move on?
The 2025 season hasn’t even officially begun, yet concerns about Bradberry’s place in the starting lineup are already heating up. After a shaky finish to the 2024 season and a string of underwhelming performances in OTAs and minicamp, many fans are openly questioning whether the veteran cornerback should retain his role as a starter heading into Week 1.
⏳ A Steady Decline from CB1 to CB Question Mark
Two years ago, James Bradberry was widely considered one of the league’s most reliable shutdown corners. In 2022, he was a key piece of the Eagles’ Super Bowl run, earning second-team All-Pro honors and forming one of the NFL’s top cornerback duos with Darius Slay.
But as we reach the midpoint of 2025, Bradberry’s game has clearly regressed.
The 31-year-old gave up the most touchdowns of his career in 2024 and was repeatedly targeted by opposing offenses. According to league metrics, quarterbacks threw for a passer rating of 114.3 when targeting Bradberry last season. That trend, disturbingly, has continued into minicamp scrimmages this June, where several younger wideouts have been seen beating him clean off the line.
In a particularly revealing joint practice against the Ravens last week, third-year WR Zay Flowers reportedly torched Bradberry on three separate reps — each one drawing audible reactions from media and teammates alike.
???? Fan Backlash Begins to Boil Over
Philadelphia fans aren’t known for being subtle, and in recent weeks, Bradberry has become the focal point of frustration for many diehards.
“We love you JB, but your time is up,” one fan posted on X.
“Kelee Ringo’s reps are getting better by the day. Let the kid play!” said another, referencing the Eagles’ promising second-year CB.
Reddit threads have gone deep into statistical comparisons between Bradberry and younger options like Josh Jobe and rookie Quinyon Mitchell, who the Eagles selected with their first-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Mitchell, in particular, has impressed coaches and media members with his physicality and football IQ — leading many to believe he’s destined for a starting role.
Even talk radio in Philly has been relentless.
“You don’t wait to get burned in Week 1 by the Giants,” one local host said. “You make the switch now, in camp, when it’s still in your control.”
???? What the Coaches Are Saying
Despite the growing noise, Eagles coaches are remaining diplomatic — for now.
When asked directly whether Bradberry’s starting role is in jeopardy, defensive coordinator Vic Fangio responded cautiously:
“We’re evaluating every player, every rep. James is a veteran, and we respect what he brings, but this is a competition.”
Head coach Nick Sirianni echoed that sentiment last week:
“There’s always going to be competition. That’s how this team works. No job is guaranteed.”
Translation: Bradberry’s spot is anything but safe.
???? Rise of the Youth Movement
One major reason the calls to bench Bradberry are getting louder is the depth the Eagles now have at cornerback.
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Quinyon Mitchell, the 2025 first-round pick, has been a standout in camp. Coaches rave about his burst, awareness, and attitude.
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Kelee Ringo, entering his third season, has bulked up and shown improved footwork in man coverage.
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Josh Jobe, a special teams star in 2024, has quietly developed into a reliable rotational option.
In past years, Bradberry may have been kept in by default. But now? The Eagles have options. And they’re young, hungry, and fast.
???? Contract Complications
Adding to the pressure is the fact that Bradberry is still under a sizable contract. He signed a 3-year deal in 2023 worth $38 million, but 2025 is the first year the Eagles could cut or bench him without devastating cap consequences.
Some insiders believe that if he’s outplayed in training camp, he may not even make the final 53-man roster.
???? The Legacy vs. The Reality
There’s no denying what James Bradberry has meant to the Eagles. His 2022 performance was elite, his leadership respected, and his chemistry with Darius Slay helped elevate the entire secondary.
But Philadelphia is a city that lives in the present. And in this moment, the franchise is looking toward a future built on youth, speed, and sustained success. Bradberry’s once-lockdown presence now looks beatable — and the organization may be preparing to pivot.
???? What’s Next?
Training camp begins in late July, and it may serve as the final proving ground for Bradberry. If he can recapture some of his old form and fend off the surging young talents, he might begin the season as CB2.
But if the struggles continue — especially in preseason games — the Eagles may have no choice but to start the new era in the secondary now.
???? Final Thoughts: Time to Let Go?
The clock is ticking, and Bradberry knows it. He’s shown flashes of brilliance in the past, but in 2025, consistency will be everything. With the Eagles hoping to reclaim dominance in the NFC, there’s no room for sentimentality.
This isn’t about disrespect. It’s about reality.
And in Philadelphia, reality comes fast — and it hits hard.
What do YOU think? Should James Bradberry keep his job in 2025? Or is it time for the next generation to take flight?
Drop your comments, tag a fan, and let the debate begin.
#FlyEaglesFly #BradberryDebate #EaglesCamp2025 #NextManUp
