Overlooked free agent turns into surprise anchor of the Patriots offensive line

Garrett Bradbury's football IQ helps to anchor New England's offensive line.
New England Patriots v Tampa Bay Buccaneers - NFL 2025
New England Patriots v Tampa Bay Buccaneers - NFL 2025 | Kevin Sabitus/GettyImages

The New England Patriots completely revamped their offensive line this offseason. Will Campbell was selected at No. 4 overall to play on Drake Maye's blindside, while Morgan Moses was brought in to anchor the right side. Third-round rookie Jared Wilson beat out Ben Brown for the starting slot at left guard, and Mike Onwenu maintained his right guard slot.

A pair of top-hundred picks and a marquee signing in Moses got most of the media coverage, but a more under-the-radar signing is starting to turn heads. Garrett Bradbury was the 18th pick in 2019 from N.C. State, and started for the Vikings until this past season.

He was released in March and signed by New England to fill the void left by David Andrews.

While Bradbury has had some struggles as a run blocker, he's been as strong a pass blocker as they come. He has yet to allow a sack or be penalized this season, and PFF grades his pass blocking season the second-best of his whole career. Not only has his pass blocking been on point, but he's also gaining respect from his teammates as a great football mind.

Vederian Lowe praises Garrett Bradbury for offensive line's success

Vederian Lowe has been thrust into the role of starting left tackle for a Super Bowl hopeful since the injury to Will Campbell. He started 14 games last season, allowing just five sacks, but he was penalized 13 times.

He has the opportunity to cash in come free agency should he put together a solid stretch of games, and Bradbury could be the reason he makes some real money.

Lowe described his center as one of the smartest players he's ever met. Before New England, Lowe spent a year with Bradbury in Minnesota after being drafted by the Vikings. He was traded to New England following his rookie year, and now the former Vikings will play the latter half of the season together again.

Drake Maye's time to throw has drastically improved this season: he ranked 28th in the stat last year but has skyrocketed up to eighth this season thanks to four new linemen. Bradbury has been the subject of early cap casualty predictions going into the offseason despite the line's improvement.

The team could save $4.7 million of his $5.9 million cap number should he be released, and it would allow Jared Wilson to move to his more natural center position. The onus would then be on the staff to find a new left guard.

Replacing Bradbury might be a long-term necessity, but he's clearly a respected figure in the locker room and has performed well this season. Vrabel and company have made some really solid additions to the club, and the former N.C. State center may be one of their finest additions.

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