One of the bigger shocks of the 2025 NFL offseason was when the Minnesota Vikings released long-time center Garrett Bradbury. The former 2019 first-round pick spent six seasons in Minnesota and held the starting position each year.
Just two years into a three-year $15.75 million contract, Minnesota designated Bradbury a Post June 1st release, allowing the offensive line-needy New England Patriots to swoop in and grab the starting-caliber center on a two-year $9.5 million contract.
“Had six great years in Minnesota. It’s a great locker room, built some really good connections there. And it ended, right? That’s the business,” Bradbury told the Boston Globe. “You never want to feel comfortable, but that’s a wake-up call. That’s all right, here we go, that’s how they feel and they move on.”
The former North Carolina State product will now be anchoring the middle of the offensive line in front of second-year quarterback Drake Maye. He has some big shoes to fill, replacing nine-year starter David Andrews, whom the Patriots decided not to re-sign after a decorated career with the team, including two Super Bowl victories.
“I’ve heard nothing but good things from guys who have played with him. Guys that know him.” Bradbury said of Andrews. “I have a lot of respect for him. He played a long time in this league at the same place, in the same city.”
If Bradbury wants to ingratiate himself with the city of Boston and Patriots fans, he’ll have the perfect mentor in Andrews, who was able to do just that at the same position.
