Center David Andrews arrived in the NFL as an undrafted free agent with the New England Patriots 10 years ago. He immediately became the team’s starting center, due to injury, but Andrews won the first-string job fair and square the following season, even helping the Patriots win Super Bowl LI.
Andrews would go on to play nine seasons with the Patriots, winning two Super Bowls as their starting center. But now the soon-to-be 33-year old is pondering retirement.
We thought the Patriots’ offensive line would get better this offseason, and while New England did sign tackle Morgan Moses, one could argue the unit as a whole has only gotten worse with Andrews’ departure. With Andrews leaving, who could or should replace him?
Related: 2025 NFL mock draft: Who should the Patriots draft?
New England Patriots could replace David Andrews with Garrett Bradbury
There’s no denying that the New England Patriots have some significant holes to fill along their offensive line. Part of this can be addressed during the 2025 NFL Draft, where the Patriots hold the fourth overall pick in the first round.
However, the Patriots may want to add a proven solution at one or two spots before taking gambles on draft prospects that may ultimately never pan out.
One potential Andrews replacement, as The Athletic’s Chad Graff highlights, is Minnesota Vikings center Garrett Bradbury. While the 18th overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft started all 17 games for a 14-win Vikings team last season, Minnesota just signed former Colts four-time Pro Bowl center Ryan Kelly.
“One player to keep an eye on in the Patriots’ search for a new center: Garrett Bradbury. The ’19 first-round pick has been the Vikings’ starter the last 6 years, but could soon be cut after MIN signed Ryan Kelly.”
The Athletic’s Chad Graff on Patriots’ potential David Andrews replacement
Does this mean Bradbury is expendable? Possibly, especially considering he’s entering the final year of his contract and has a $6 million cap hit, which may be a bit too rich if he’s slated to become a backup for the first time of his career. Plus, the Vikings already currently have the NFL’s most expensive offensive line and could be looking to cut some costs.
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