Football fans, get ready for some exciting updates as we dive into the latest twist in the NFL! The Minnesota Vikings have made a big decision by releasing their center, Garrett Bradbury, who played six seasons with the team. This move opens up the possibility for him to join another team in need, and guess who might be looking? The New England Patriots! With some recent changes in their lineup, the Patriots are considering Bradbury as a potential fit for their offensive line. Let’s break down what this means for both players and fans alike.
The Vikings Bid Farewell to Bradbury
Garrett Bradbury, who was a first-round draft pick back in 2019, has officially been released by the Minnesota Vikings. This comes after a noteworthy career where he started all 88 games since his debut. His exit follows the Vikings’ recent signing of Ryan Kelly, who has taken over his position. With this shift, Bradbury is now looking for a new team, and there’s chatter that he might be heading to the Patriots.
Patriots Need to Fill a Big Gap
So, why are the Patriots interested in Bradbury? Well, they recently let go of veteran center David Andrews, who had been a steady presence on the team for nine seasons. Andrews struggled with injuries last season, ultimately being sidelined during Week 4, which has left a noticeable gap in the Patriots’ offensive line. With Andrews gone, Bradbury could potentially step in and help bolster the team’s strength, especially when they are facing some major challenges in their lineup.
The Price Tag Problem
However, there’s a bit of a snag—Bradbury’s contract. He has a base salary of $4.9 million, which makes it a challenging investment for the Patriots. Sources suggest that a trade might not be feasible unless the Vikings agree to a change in Bradbury’s contract, which means they would need to release him first. The Patriots may have to consider this before making any moves, but if they release Bradbury, it could clear the path for the Patriots to make an offer.
Exploring Other Options
While signing Bradbury is definitely on their radar, the Patriots are also looking internally. Cole Strange, a first-round draft pick who played as a left guard last season, is being eyed as another option to fill the center position. Strange has played some snaps at center before, but the team is evaluating whether he can fully transition to that role. However, concerns about his health might affect this decision. He’s been subject to injuries, leading to questions about whether he is the right choice to anchor the offensive line.
A Quick Look at Bradbury’s Stats
To better understand Garrett Bradbury’s value, let’s take a look at some of his career highlights:
| Year | Games Played | Games Started | Rank Among Centers |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 16 | 16 | N/A |
| 2020 | 16 | 16 | N/A |
| 2021 | 17 | 17 | 10th |
| 2022 | 16 | 16 | 10th |
| 2023 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
This table showcases Bradbury’s impressive track record, highlighting his consistency as a starter. Although not ranked as high in recent years, he still brings experience and capability that could elevate the Patriots’ game.
Looking Ahead
As we watch the NFL unfold this off-season, the potential for Garrett Bradbury to join the New England Patriots certainly adds an interesting layer to the upcoming season. Fans are eager to see how this situation develops, and whether the Patriots will move forward with Bradbury as a solution to their center problem. With the right adjustments and decision-making, this might just be the change that revives their offensive-line efforts.
