It hasn’t taken long for the New England Patriots to replace recently released center David Andrews. They’ve moved quickly to snag former Minnesota Vikings pivot Garrett Bradbury in 2025 NFL free agency.
The 29-year-old “has reached agreement on a two-year deal worth up to $12 million, including $3.8 million guaranteed,” according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. He confirmed terms of the contract handed to the 88-game starter on Tuesday, March 18.
Bradbury was probably the best center left on the veteran market, but it’s debatable he’ll be an upgrade over dependable Andrews. In fact, have already received a strong warning from multiple observers about their new man over the ball.
Patriots Have Been Warned About Garrett Bradbury
Most of the warnings are focused on Bradbury’s apparent lack of size. The 6-foot-3, 305-pounder is considered by some to be undersized.
Among the critics, Schefter’s colleague Mike Reiss “did a 3-game study of Garrett Bradbury from 2024 season (Week 1 vs. Giants, Week 8 vs. Rams, Week 17 vs. Packers) and would compare his game to former Patriots center Ryan Wendell. Not a big body at the position (6-3, 300). Moves well. Smart, effective shotgun snapper, and assignment sound. Can be overpowered at times by bigger DTs.”
Reiss’ concerns are shared by Chad Graff of The Athletic. He also noted how Bradbury is “really athletic but a bit undersized which has shown up in matchups against bigger DTs.”
Bradbury’s lack of physical dominance in the pits shows up most in pass-blocking situations. He allowed four sacks, six quarterback hits and 37 pressures last season, according to Pro Football Focus.
Those numbers are ominous considering the Patriots investment in would-be franchise passer Drake Maye. He took 34 sacks in 13 games as a rookie, making better protection a priority for the rebuilding Pats.
Bradbury may not provide it, even though the Patriots believe he’s “an upgrade to what they have on the roster,” according to MassLive.com’s Mark Daniels.
Those other options include Cole Strange, who played in relief after Andrews suffered a hip injury last season. Strange wasn’t effective on the ground, ranking next-to-last among run-blocking centers, according to PFF.
The Patriots also added to the depth chart with former New York Jets offensive lineman Wes Schweitzer, who has made six starts at center during his career, per Patriots.com.
There’s also Ben Brown, who started 10 games in 2024, but ultimately struggled to convince. Brown’s joined by would-be camp body Lecitus Smith.
Pickings are indeed slim after the Patriots moved on from Andrews.
Patriots Will Miss David Andrews
Andrews was let go on March 13, bringing an end to a distinguished 10-year stint at Gillette Stadium. His Patriots career took in two of the franchise’s six Super Bowl triumphs.
The hardware was just reward for a former undrafted free agent who worked his way up to becoming a team captain. As Patriots.com Writer Mike Dussault put it, “Andrews’ legacy will undoubtedly serve as a benchmark for dedication, toughness and success.”
That legacy will be tough for Bradbury to match. First, he must live up to the guaranteed cash he’s receiving by seeing off the competition and make the starting job his own this offseason.
The Patriots will be hoping Bradbury does can anchor a line still needing an infusion of bluechip talent on Maye’s blindside.
