FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) — The New England Patriots have taken a significant step toward improving their offensive line by signing veteran center Garrett Bradbury. The 29-year-old was recently released after six seasons with the Minnesota Vikings, where he made a notable impact as a first-round draft pick in 2019, picked 18th overall.
According to ESPN, Bradbury has signed a two-year deal with the Patriots reportedly worth up to $12 million, including $3.8 million in guaranteed money. His arrival comes just a week after the Patriots made the difficult decision to release longtime center David Andrews, a move that left a pivotal gap in their lineup.
Bradbury's signing is seen as a crucial part of the Patriots' aggressive effort this offseason to switch up a struggling offensive line. Last season, the Patriots' offensive performance fell notably short, ranking near the bottom of the league in both pass-blocking and run-blocking efficiency. New England ended up 31st in pass-block win rate and a staggering 32nd in run-block win rate. With second-year quarterback Drake Maye looking to establish himself, building a solid front was paramount.
Over his six years with the Vikings, Bradbury appeared in 88 games, starting each one. His experience and the dependable play he has shown, particularly in 2022 when he was ranked as the tenth-best center in the league according to Pro Football Focus, make him a valuable asset as the Patriots look to stabilize their offensive front.
“You're probably going to get some dependability,” noted Phil Perry on NBC Sports Boston’s show, referring to Bradbury's capabilities and experience. “He’s someone who treats his job seriously and is a professional as soon as he walks in the door.”
However, the transition to a new team brings with it questions, particularly regarding scheme fit. Bradbury has often played in a wide-zone offense during his time in Minnesota. The Patriots, operating under new offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, have usually favored a more power-oriented approach, making it critical to see how these two styles will mesh together.
Will they run more zone schemes now that Bradbury's on board? That’s something to watch. “It's going to be fascinating to watch both sides of the ball as they morph,” commented host Tom E. Curran on the show.
In Bradley's favor is his elite athleticism, demonstrated superbly during the 2019 NFL Combine, where he achieved a high relative athletic score of 9.96, placing him 11th all-time among centers. This athletic profile has helped him excel at lateral movements and reach blocks effectively, which could complement a zone-blocking scheme, allowing for greater versatility in the Patriots' offensive strategies.
Moreover, Bradbury's addition to the offensive line now gives New England a core of proven starters with himself, right tackle Morgan Moses, and right guard Mike Onwenu. Moses, signed earlier this offseason, has 138 career starts under his belt, adding much-needed experience to the lineup. The combination of Bradbury and Moses as veterans aiming to lead a unit that also includes returning younger players offers a robust mixture of skill and resilience.
As the Patriots continue to remake their O-line, their next big task lies in finding a left tackle, which remains a critical need. With competition for available talent heating up as free agency unfolds, the pressure is on for the front office to keep building a reliable line. Currently, the team has not yet secured a free-agent left tackle following the recent re-signings of key players across the league.
Increased focus will also fall on the development of recent draft picks like Cole Strange, Sidy Sow, and Layden Robinson, who could play a crucial role in shaping the left side of the offensive line moving forward. Each of these players was drafted within the last couple of years and could be expected to battle for starting positions as they become acclimated to the Patriots’ new scheme.
This shift in strategy and player acquisition could lead to a more dramatically adjusted offensive line, setting the stage for a more promising season ahead for the Patriots. As they transition into a new era of football, the expectations are high, and the pressure is palpable to perform in the crowded AFC East.
In conclusion, Garrett Bradbury’s signing could signify a turning point for the Patriots. While the contract details reflect a commitment to improvement, the success of that investment will ultimately hinge on how effectively the team adapts their strategies to leverage the unique skills of their new center and the talents of their established and emerging players. Only time will tell if the Patriots can successfully rebuild their offensive line and provide the support young quarterback Drake Maye needs to thrive in his sophomore season.
