What's next for cornerbacks James Bradberry and Donte Jackson?

[Sir Purr]

CHARLOTTE – Was the 2019 season finale against the Saints the last game in a Panthers uniform for James Bradberry?


It’s quite possible.


Carolina’s No. 1 cornerback is set to become an unrestricted free agent. He’s been a starter since joining the team as a second-round pick in 2016.


“I feel like I’m a top corner in this league,” Bradberry said, “and I want to be compensated as such.


“I’m open to any and all possibilities,” he added. “I understand this is a business. We’ll see what happens.”


In four seasons, Bradberry has compiled eight interceptions and 47 passes defensed. He recorded a career-high three picks in 2019 and allowed a passer rating of 80.3, ranking 10th among qualified cornerbacks.


“We didn’t get the results as a team that we wanted. But I feel like individually I did well,” Bradberry said. “I wanted to increase my interceptions this year and I got three. That’s not a whole lot, but it’s a good number for any corner. I go against three of the hardest receivers to cover in the league week in and week out (Julio Jones, Michael Thomas and Mike Evans). So, I’m feeling good right now.”


As you can tell by the way he views his value, Bradberry has become a much more confident player over the years. That, and the finer points in his game, took time to develop.


“Coming from Samford, I didn’t have too much confidence,” Bradberry admitted. “But my teammates were always encouraging me and they kind of built me up. I became more active on the field celebrating – you saw that in my fourth year. I let it loose a little bit.


“This year I feel I was consistent throughout the whole year. That was my whole goal – to be consistent for my teammates. They expect me to shut down whatever receiver I’m on.”