In a significant turn of events for football fans, the Minnesota Vikings have officially released center Garrett Bradbury after six seasons, shaking up the offensive line landscape. This move comes just after the New England Patriots let go of their veteran center, David Andrews, raising questions about whether the Patriots might be eyeing Bradbury as a potential replacement to fill the new gap in their lineup.

The Vikings are moving on from center Garrett Bradbury.

Garrett Bradbury was once a first-round draft pick back in 2019, drafted by the Vikings to strengthen their offensive line. He played six seasons, but recent decisions by the Vikings have made his position uncertain. The Vikings recently brought in former Colts center Ryan Kelly, effectively pushing Bradbury out of the projected lineup. It seems the team felt it was time to make a change, and this decision has opened the door for other teams, especially the Patriots, to consider signing him.

The Patriots could be moving him in.

The Patriots, facing their own challenges after releasing David Andrews, might see Bradbury as a valuable addition to their team. Andrews had been a key player and his exit has left the Patriots looking for someone with experience to step into the center position. ESPN’s Mike Reiss has indicated that the Patriots are likely eyeing Bradbury, but it’s essential to note that a trade might not be feasible given Bradbury’s existing salary of $4.9 million.

Bradbury’s Journey with the Vikings

Garrett Bradbury had a mix of ups and downs during his time in Minnesota. While he was celebrated initially for his potential, his performance fluctuated over the years. For instance, his 2022 season was impressive enough to rank him among the top ten centers in the league according to Pro Football Focus. However, his recent performance has seen a decline, with rankings that fell to 31st in 2023 and 33rd in 2024, which has likely influenced the Vikings’ decision to let him go.

What’s Next for Bradbury?

As it stands, the situation remains fluid. The Patriots may consider bringing in Bradbury only if he is released outright by the Vikings, given that their financial limitations make a trade unlikely. In light of Andrews’ release, they will need to make quick decisions to secure a reliable center before the next season kicks off. Meanwhile, other internal candidates like Cole Strange could also be explored for the center role, adding more complexity to the Patriots’ decision-making process.

Patriots’ Needs and Future Prospects

The New England Patriots find themselves at a crossroads, not only in terms of their offensive line but also in rebuilding their roster after a challenging season. Signing a competent center like Bradbury could stabilize their lineup and improve overall performance. With a priority on fortifying their front line, the upcoming weeks will be crucial as they weigh their options and seek to bolster their team for the challenges ahead.

As the Patriots navigate this pivotal moment, fans are eagerly waiting to see how the team will address its needs and whether they will act on the opportunity to sign Garrett Bradbury, who still has the potential to contribute significantly to their success.