The New England Patriots have taken a significant step to bolster their offensive line as they move toward the upcoming 2025 NFL season. On March 18, 2025, the team signed center Garrett Bradbury to a two-year deal reportedly worth up to $12 million, which includes $3.8 million in guaranteed money, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.
This signing comes on the heels of the Patriots releasing veteran center David Andrews, who had been a cornerstone of the offensive line for nearly a decade. The decision to part ways with Andrews, a team captain, created an immediate need at the center position, a gap that Bradbury is expected to fill.
Garrett Bradbury, a former first-round pick (18th overall) in the 2019 NFL Draft, spent his first six seasons with the Minnesota Vikings, starting a total of 88 games. His tenure in Minnesota saw him heavily involved in the offensive scheme, making him familiar with both pass protection and run-blocking responsibilities. In the 2024 season, he started all 17 games but found himself increasingly scrutinized for his pass-blocking ability, posting a disappointing 48.2 grade out of 64 centers, which ranked him 55th in the league.
Despite these challenges, Bradbury brings some strengths to the Patriots' table. He was considered the 10th-best center in the NFL in 2022 by Pro Football Focus for his run-blocking capabilities. His athletic background, having formerly played tight end, translates well into his role as an agile center. Moreover, Bradbury is known for his ability to effectively communicate protection schemes, a crucial skill for any center tasked with leading an offensive line.
In Minnesota, Bradbury faced competition from the likes of Pro Bowl center Ryan Kelly, signed by the Vikings following Bradbury's release. The Vikings opted to designate Bradbury's release as a post-June 1 transaction, saving them $5.25 million under the salary cap, signaling their shift towards a more robust defensive strategy with a different player in the center role.
For the Patriots, integrating Bradbury will allow them to secure three-fifths of their starting offensive line: Bradbury at center, Mike Onwenu at right guard, and Morgan Moses at right tackle. They are expected to fill the left guard position with Cole Strange or potentially through early draft selections. Currently, Vederian Lowe is slated as the left tackle, but concerns remain about the protection left side of the line as the team seeks stability this offseason.
Mike Vrabel, the newly appointed head coach of the Patriots, faces a considerable challenge in reshaping the offensive line. The 2024 season was difficult for the team, culminating in a staggering 54 sacks against their quarterbacks. Adding Bradbury—who offers both experience and athleticism—offers the team hope for improvement, despite the risk associated with his recent struggles in pass protection.
The intertwining of a restructured offensive line and the need for protective measures for second-year quarterback Drake Maye is paramount for the Patriots as they aim to make a successful season. During the recent hiring period, the Patriots have shown urgency in solidifying their offensive strategy, highlighting that improving their line is a priority. Bradbury's addition aligns with that goal.
As the Patriots prepare for the upcoming NFL Draft, they will likely seek to fill additional holes on the offensive line, particularly at left tackle—a position that remains unaddressed following Andrews' departure and Bradbury's addition. Names like Cam Robinson or Jedrick Wills have emerged as potential free agent targets, further revealing the Patriots' need to build around Maye with solid protection schemes.
Despite concerns over Bradbury's pass protection struggles—evident from a stat line that saw him allow 21 pressures in his final two games with the Vikings—the move is not without accolades. His ability to perform effectively as a run blocker offers a significant benefit, as the Patriots will need varied rushing schemes for their evolving offense.
The reaction to Bradbury's signing has been mixed among analysts. Some view it as a necessary measure to behind Maye, while others question if he is the answer to fortifying a line that has seen continuous underperformance. In graded assessments, the signing has received a range of responses, some highlighting stability in the center position, while others caution against relying on what has historically been a below-average player performance from a pass protection standpoint.
Ultimately, the Patriots' march forward depends partially on young talents stepping up to complement experienced additions like Bradbury and Moses. With a need for significant improvement, Bradbury’s role will likely evolve as the Patriots reshape their offensive approach and look to increase their competitive edge in the league.
Looking ahead, the New England organization remains on the hunt for more talent, nearly solidifying their offensive line while keeping an eye on the potential emerging players who can contribute to their strategy moving forward. Whether Bradbury can reclaim his form as a more capable protector or if draft decisions made in the coming weeks will define the team's priorities remains to be seen.
