He started his senior career with Chesterfield Municipal before signing his first professional contract with Football League First Division side Oldham Athletic in August 1920.
A change in manager for the 1921–22 season meant Braidwood found it difficult to break into the first-team, and he played only once in the campaign.
In the summer of 1922 Braidwood was signed on a free transfer by his former Oldham teammate David Wilson, who had since become player-manager of Football League Third Division North outfit Nelson.
He scored against Fulham in the 1–1 draw at Seedhill on 22 December 1923, and played in Nelson's 1–0 win against Manchester United on 8 March 1924.
Braidwood continued to play for Nelson until March 1926 when he signed for Rochdale, where he scored one goal in 87 league matches before moving into non-League football with Great Harwood and New Mills in 1930.