Eagles Rumors: RB Miles Sanders, CB James Bradberry "most likely" players to walk in free agency

As the Philadelphia Eagles prepare for the offseason, the front office will have their work cut out for them.

The Eagles have a whopping 20 players set to become free agents come March, several of whom were key starters on this year’s team. Among those key free agents are RB Miles Sanders and CB James Bradberry. While both had career years in 2022, their performances in Super Bowl 57 left a sour taste in just about every Philadelphian’s mouth.

Sanders toted the rock just seven times for 16 yards. On his first touch of the night he fumbled the ball out of bounds, and nearly cost the Eagles seven points after another fumble in the second half, only for the call to get reversed.

As for Bradberry, he posted the worst Pro Football Focus grade of anyone along the defense. And of course, he was the culprit of the biggest call of the night, holding KC wideout JuJu Smith-Schuster on a pivotal third down in the fourth quarter.

Despite their lack luster outings in the Super Bowl, both players are sure to garner interest on the free agent market. Eagles insider John McMullen provided some insight on the Eagles free agency plans when speaking with JAKIB Sports’ Dan Sileo earlier this week. When asked which pending free agents are most likely to leave this offseason, McMullen pointed to both Sanders and Bradberry.

McMullen on the two Eagles free agents to be

“The two most likely to walk [in free agency] is James Bradberry and Miles Sanders…”

– @JFMcMullen pic.twitter.com/XtFyfU4JQ7
— JAKIB Sports (@JAKIBSports) February 17, 2023

“If you asked me the two most likely to walk [in free agency], it’s James [Bradberry] and Miles Sanders,” McMullen said. “For different reasons. James is going to get paid because he had a great, great season. Unfortunately, it didn’t end in the way that you would like, but he’s had an All-Pro season, was second-team All-Pro, was one of the best cornerbacks in football. It’s his last chance probably to cash in with big money. Eagles just aren’t going to be able to afford him.”

Although McMullen didn’t really go in-depth as to why the Eagles won’t retain Sanders, the reasoning is pretty cut and dry. Howie Roseman has never paid his running backs top-end money. The only exception was LeSean McCoy, who’s one of the best RBs to ever wear an Eagles uniform. Sanders is clearly not on the level and has never been an elite back in the NFL.

His 2022 season aside, Sanders has routinely underwhelmed for most of his professional career. He’s a good, not great running back who will look to get paid like a top-10 guy. Howie just won’t pony up on that.

McMullen’s reasoning on Bradberry is pretty straight forward as well. He just put forth the best statistical season of his career and at 29 years old, this will likely be his last chance to get big money on the open market. The Eagles have several other key free agents to attend to who are younger and have the potential to be cornerstones of this franchise for years to come.

In the end, I have faith in Howie to prioritize to right guys once free agency rolls around. It’ll be interesting to see how it all unfolds.