Eagles should have interest in Cardinals cornerback

The Philadelphia Eagles lost defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon, who became Arizona Cardinals coach. Could Philadelphia get revenge by signing Arizona's top cornerback?

In four years with the Cardinals, Byron Murphy had 229 tackles, three sacks and five interceptions. By comparison, Eagles cornerback James Bradberry had 210 tackles, one sack and 13 interceptions in his past four years. 

Both players are free agents. The interception numbers alone point to Bradberry as the better player, but other numbers show Murphy might be a better fit with Philadelphia.

Bradberry will turn 30 in August. There’s a good chance he won’t see the end of any contract he signs in the offseason. Murphy recently turned 25 and was named by Bleacher Report  as the eighth-best 25-and-under free agent for 2023.

Murphy missed eight games with a back injury in 2022, which could work in the Eagles’ favor. Had Murphy played in every game, his contract expectations would be much higher. 

Kyle Yates of Pro Football Network believes the young corner has earned a three-year, $33 million contract. On the other hand, Spotrac estimates Bradberry can expect a three-year, $45 million contract.

Of course, if Murphy doesn’t like any offers, he could always take a one-year deal and hit the open market in 2024. Philadelphia traded for Bradberry and C.J. Gardner-Johnson with one year left on their deals last offseason, and both were instrumental in the team’s Super Bowl run.

Philadelphia should take a run at Murphy. Bradberry won’t be back. He might even follow his old defensive coordinator to Arizona. If Murphy is healthy and can get back to his 2021 form, the Eagles would gladly take the younger and less expensive corner.