2018 NFL free agency: Nigel Bradham might look nice in a Giants’ uniform

Sometimes the most gratifying thing to do in NFL free agency is not only help your own team, but to also hurt one of your primary rivals in the process. So, let’s talk about the New York Giants and the idea of poaching linebacker Nigel Bradham from the Philadelphia Eagles.

Bradham is one of the few Eagles set to hit free agency. The 28-year-old six-year veteran is a good player who just happens to play a position where the Giants have a glaring need, especially if defensive coordinator James Bettcher is going to transition New York to a base 3-4 defense.

Walter Football rates Bradham as the best outside linebacker on the free-agent market:

Nigel Bradham is a stellar three-down linebacker in the NFL who excels in coverage. He turns 29 in September, so he should be able to perform on a high level for the next three years or so.

Pro Football Focus ranks him 31st among free agents and second only behind Navarro Bowman among linebackers expected to be available. Here are a few notes from PFF’s 2018 Free Agency Guide:

• Earned an 86.9 coverage grade in 2017, which ranked sixth among all NFL linebackers.
• However, he struggled against the run, finishing 66th among qualifying linebackers.
• Ranked No. 1 in yards allowed per coverage snap and coverage snaps per reception.

Spotrac projects Bradham’s market value to be two years, $11.8 million, which works out to $5.9 million annually. That contract would carry him only through his age 30 season.

The Eagles would reportedly like to keep Bradham.

Is he a player you would like to see the linebacker-needy Giants steal away?