Getty ImagesThe Cardinals’ signing of linebacker Stewart Bradley to a five-year, $25 million contract was widely met with media praise last July, but things didn’t turn out nearly as well on the field. Bradley received a $5 million signing bonus, yet wound up playing less than 20 percent of Arizona’s defensive snaps.
In order to keep his roster spot entering year two of the deal, Bradley agreed to a $2.5 million pay reduction, Adam Caplan reports. The salary slash wasn’t accompanied by the usual “signing” bonus to make up the difference, either. Bradley’s base pay simply dropped from $5 million to $2.5 million.
Bradley, 28, finished last season with 31 tackles and no sacks in 16 appearances, starting just once. He returns to compete for snaps at inside linebacker against 34-year-old Paris Lenon.
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What a shame. So much promise… then, what – 2 ACLs and a major concussion later he’s become forgettable.
Hey, Arizona: please trade a #2 & #3 for Asante.
Stu,
What happened?
–Your Old Expectations
Bradley was never the same player after he blew out his knee in training camp a few years ago. You knew the Eagles just gave up on him when they cut him loose, considering that they needed all the help at linebacker that they could get.
I was so pissed when the Fatman let him sign in Az, I’m sorry Fatman you were right
Good move by Stew & the Cards. This was his first year in the 3-4 defense and who knows how long Paris Lenon can produce like he did last year.
He will do well in the desert this year with a full off season to learn the 3-4 d… He is good…
Wait where are all the people saying a signed contract should be honored. Never post when it is about a team using leverage of take a pay cut or lose your job. But when a player holds out the come out in mass yelling Comeon player X you signed it honor your contract.
Dont be surpised if they move him to the replacing Haggans more than Lenons.
Bradley was never very good in the NFL. The Eagles, via their website, overhyped him from the get go. Their fan base, malleable (look it up Eagles fans) as they are, lapped it up.
Unfortunately for Cardinals fans, your front office doesn’t appear to be the brightest of bulbs either.
good luck Stu except when you play the Eagles. !!
Swing and a miss!!
Not bad. …$160K per tackle!!!
They way overpaid for a guy who was already damaged goods.
I’m just surprised the Andy Reid wasn’t able to trade him for a 2nd and a fourth to the Cardinals. By the way, I hear Asante Samuel is available for for a fifth round pick and Jeff Lurie with throw in a set of “My Favorite Martian” commemorative plates. Financing is available.
He either plays well this year or it isn’t going to work. He’ll have had a year now in a new system on a new team. Last year was a bad year to start anything new. I don’t know why anyone did.
dontouchmyjunk says:
Apr 24, 2012 11:42 PM
Bradley was never very good in the NFL. The Eagles, via their website, overhyped him from the get go. Their fan base, malleable (look it up Eagles fans) as they are, lapped it up.
Unfortunately for Cardinals fans, your front office doesn’t appear to be the brightest of bulbs either.
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