The Minnesota Vikings have made a significant move by releasing center Garrett Bradbury, and this decision might just catch the interest of the New England Patriots. With the Patriots parting ways with their own veteran center, David Andrews, they find themselves in need of someone with experience to step in. Bradbury’s release opens the door for some exciting possibilities.
What’s Happening with Garrett Bradbury?
Garrett Bradbury was a vital player for the Minnesota Vikings for six seasons, making an impression as a first-round pick back in 2019. However, after the team decided to sign Ryan Kelly, it became clear that they no longer needed Bradbury’s services, leading to his release. The Vikings have already transitioned away from him, but where will he go next?
Patriots in Need of a New Center
The New England Patriots recently announced they were parting ways with David Andrews, their long-time center. This unexpected move has left the Patriots searching for someone experienced to fill the void. ESPN’s Mike Reiss mentioned Bradbury as a potential target, suggesting that the Patriots might be eyeing the recently released center. With Bradbury’s familiarity with playing at a high level, he could provide the offensive line with some much-needed stability.
- Bradbury started for the Vikings for six seasons but was replaced by Ryan Kelly.
- The Patriots need a center after releasing David Andrews.
- Bradbury’s experience as a first-round pick might be valuable to New England.
Can the Patriots Afford Bradbury?
While having Bradbury on the roster could be a smart move, there’s one big question: Can the Patriots afford him? Bradbury’s contract carries a base salary of $4.9 million. This might scare off some potential teams that would otherwise jump at the chance to sign the talented center. However, if the Patriots believe he is the best fit, they could open their checkbook to bring him aboard.
The Role of Cole Strange
As the Patriots look for their next center, they are also considering the internal option of Cole Strange. Strange was drafted in the first round in 2023 and has shown great potential. However, he also has had his share of injuries, which could make the coaching staff hesitant to rely solely on him. Adding a player like Bradbury could provide additional depth and expertise to help Strange develop further.
What’s Next for Bradbury?
As Garrett Bradbury enters the free agency market, the hope is that he will find a new team soon. If the Patriots decide to make a move, it could be a smart strategy for a team that is trying to solidify its offensive line. With several other teams likely keeping an eye on the situation, the race for Bradbury’s signature is just heating up.
| Stat Category | Garrett Bradbury | David Andrews |
|---|---|---|
| Years Played | 6 | 7 |
| Base Salary | $4.9 million | N/A |
| Position | Center | Center |
Whether it’s Bradbury or a different option, the Patriots have a busy off-season ahead, and fans will be closely watching how they address the important center position after such key departures. With so much at stake, it will be interesting to see how this plays out and who the Patriots decide to take in as they work toward building a stronger team.
