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