The Minnesota Vikings made headlines on Monday, March 17, 2025, by releasing longtime center Garrett Bradbury after he spent six seasons with the team. This move came shortly after the Vikings signed former Indianapolis Colts center Ryan Kelly, signaling a major change on their offensive line.
Bradbury, who was drafted as the 18th overall pick in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft, proved to be one of the Vikings' more reliable players, starting all 88 games he appeared in. He became the first player in franchise history to start all 16 games at center during his rookie season, captivating fans and teammates alike. His tenure with the Vikings included leading the team to playoff appearances in 2019, 2022, and 2024.
According to reports, the decision to part ways with Bradbury was primarily due to the Vikings' struggles to find a trade partner who would be willing to assume his salary. Having been set to earn $4.9 million, organizations were hesitant to take on the contract without ample justification, leading the Vikings to release him instead. The Vikings designated the release as a post-June 1 transaction, which will allow the team to save around $5.25 million against the salary cap this year.
During the recent offseason, the Vikings prioritized fortifying their offensive line following concerns raised during their playoff run, where quarterback Sam Darnold endured extensive pressure. Darnold was sacked nine times—tying the NFL playoff record—against the Rams on January 13, which highlighted the need for improvement on the line.
The Vikings also signed Kelly to a lucrative two-year contract worth $18 million, which highlights their intent to reshape their offensive line. Along with the signing of guard Will Fries, this roster shift indicates the Vikings are committed to constructing a more formidable presence up front. Even as Bradbury struggled at times against stronger interior defensive linemen, he had shown moments of brilliance, particularly during his first few seasons with the team.
Throughout his career with the Vikings, Bradbury was known for being quick and agile. While he showcased exceptional run-blocking abilities, his struggles during passing downs became increasingly concerning. Last season, the Pro Football Focus statistics revealed he allowed 37 quarterback pressures—the highest among centers—which undoubtedly contributed to the Vikings' decision to seek reinforcements.
After the announcement of his release, discussions quickly arose concerning Bradbury’s next destination. ESPN's Mike Reiss of the New England Patriots stated they may be considering him as they look to bolster their own offensive line after having released their veteran center, David Andrews, just last week. Reiss noted, "The New England Patriots could pursue Bradbury... the Patriots would not be willing to take on Bradbury's salary via trade, but would pursue him if he were released." This sets the stage for what could be anticipated interest by several teams, leveraging Bradbury's experience.
On the personal side, Bradbury was broadly well-liked by his peers on the Vikings—known for building strong camaraderie with teammates like right tackle Brian O’Neill and former teammate Ezra Cleveland. His reputation for fostering friendships has been cited as one of his endearing traits on and off the field.
While transitioning from being one of the leading centers of the Vikings’ offensive line for many seasons is undeniably challenging, it remains to be seen how efficiently this experienced player can adapt to whatever opportunities await him. He still possesses the capability to serve as a valuable asset on another team, if not as a starter, at the very least as strong depth to have on the roster.
Tom Pelissero of NFL Media was among the first to report the Vikings' plans to release Bradbury after attempts to trade him fizzled out. Pelissero highlighted the significance of Bradbury’s role, stating he had earned respect for his durability, as he played every snap throughout his last season.
Throughout his time with the Vikings, Bradbury has recorded impressive figures: he played 1,117 offensive snaps last season, demonstrating his durability and capability to endure the rigors of the NFL. Despite fluctuations within his performance, particularly against execution on passing plays, he has undoubtedly made his mark on the Vikings history books.
Going forward, only time will tell where Bradbury's career leads him next. Whether it’s the Patriots or another team, specialist analysts are likely to keep close tabs on where he lands during the free agency window, as he embarks on this new chapter of his football career.
Fans of the Vikings are appreciated for their support throughout the fluctuates highs and lows of Bradbury’s career. While the team expresses gratitude for all he has contributed over the years, they’re now focused on making the necessary steps to secure playoff potential once more with their revamped roster heading toward the next season.
