The New Orleans Saints released veteran linebacker Nigel Bradham less than a month after signing him, a source told ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
It looked like Bradham would have a good chance of competing for a starting position with the Saints. But he was working behind starters Demario Davis, Alex Anzalone and third-round rookie pick Zack Baun throughout the padded first week of testing.
The news seems to bode well for Baun’s chances of playing an impact role right away and could open the door for a young replacement to earn a spot on the roster.
Bradham’s release comes a week after it sparked a mini-controversy over his comments about joining the Saints, which sparked a backlash in Philadelphia.
“It’s definitely a different kind of environment, a different culture, because the last two organizations I went to weren’t really a winning organization,” he said. “So when you get to a place where they’re known for their win and for their postseason, you see the different kinds of culture they have and the different kinds of expectations they naturally have and what they expect you as a player. “
Bradham played for the Buffalo Bills and Eagles, winning a Super Bowl ring with Philadelphia and was on three straight playoff teams. He later clarified his comments, saying that when he joined the Eagles they were emerging from the struggles of the Chip Kelly era.
Bradham, 30, was released by the Eagles in February. In 115 games of his career, he recorded 619 tackles, 8.5 sacks, 3 interceptions and 5 forced fumbles.
ESPN’s Mike Triplett contributed to this report.
.
