The Minnesota Vikings have officially released starting center Garrett Bradbury, which has opened the door for the New England Patriots to consider him as a potential new addition to their roster. This comes after the Patriots let go of their experienced center, David Andrews, creating a need for someone to fill that crucial position. With snags in communication about trades due to Bradbury’s significant salary of $4.9 million, the likelihood of him joining the Patriots may play out more as a free agency signing rather than a complicated trade deal.
The Search for a New Center
After the Patriots parted ways with Andrews, who has been a mainstay on their offensive line for nine seasons and a vital part of their two Super Bowl victories, they now find themselves needing to fill the gap left at center. Andrews had an unfortunate shoulder injury that ended his last season early, making it even more imperative for the Patriots to find a reliable player to stabilize their offensive line moving forward.
Bradbury’s Background with the Vikings
Garrett Bradbury, a former first-round draft pick for the Vikings in 2019, has spent his entire NFL career with the team, starting in a whopping 88 games. His time on the field, however, has been a mix of ups and downs, with Pro Football Focus ranking him as high as 10th among centers in 2022, but later evaluations showed some decline. The Vikings have indicated they are ready to part ways with Bradbury should a trade not materialize, mainly due to their recent signing of former Colts center Ryan Kelly to a lucrative two-year contract.
Making Sense of the Salary Situation
Bradbury’s salary of $4.9 million stands as a significant hurdle for any trade talks. It was reported that if the Vikings cannot find a trading partner, they will look to release him altogether. This situation means that the Patriots, looking to enhance their offensive line, might catch a break if they can sign him as a free agent instead of going through complicated trade negotiations, allowing them to address their needs without considerable cap implications.
Potential Internal Solutions
While Bradbury appears to be a promising option for the Patriots, they are also evaluating some internal candidates. Cole Strange, a first-round talent from the 2023 draft, has previously taken snaps at center during his rookie season. Though he mainly played as a left guard, the Patriots may shift him around depending on how their roster shapes up. However, there are worries concerning his injury history and whether he’s ready to step into such a high-pressure role on the offensive line.
Looking Ahead: What This Means for the Patriots
The Patriots are at a juncture where they need to pull together to secure a competitive team. With a significant amount of money allocated this season towards strengthening their offense, they’ve attempted to bolster their offensive line, especially after lacking solutions at key positions. The ongoing search for a center not only draws focus onto Bradbury but also highlights the larger concerns of reshuffling positions and ensuring the team is equipped to handle the rigors of an intense NFL season.
Conclusion: Will Bradbury Become a Patriot?
As the Patriots look forward to making strategic decisions in the coming weeks, the focus sharpens on whether Garrett Bradbury will don the Patriots’ colors. His experience and previous first-round pedigree could prove invaluable, if he can mesh with a team that has high aspirations after a lackluster season. With tight salary cap constraints and several moving pieces in the roster, making the right decision at center will be crucial for the Patriots’ success this NFL season.