Giants release Bradberry after 2 seasons

The New York Giants released cornerback James Bradberry on Monday after two seasons.

Bradberry was the subject of trade rumors throughout the offseason, but the Giants couldn't find a trade partner due to his contract. General manager Joe Schoen admitted last week that he thought there'd be more interest in the former Pro Bowl cornerback, according to Zack Rosenblatt of NJ Advance Media.

The Giants will free up $10.1 million in cap space with the release, but Bradberry's departure comes with an $11.7-million dead-money hit, according to The Athletic's Dan Duggan. He was scheduled to count just over $21.8 million against the Giants' cap prior to his release, per Spotrac.

Bradberry came over to New York on a three-year, $43.5-million contract during the 2020 offseason. He earned a Pro Bowl berth in his first season with the club after recording three interceptions and 18 passes defended. Bradberry notched four picks during the 2021 campaign.

The 28-year-old began his NFL career in 2016 as a second-round draft choice by the Carolina Panthers. He's started 91 games since entering the league and has snagged two-plus interceptions in five of his six seasons.