The shocking announcement of David Andrews' release rocked Patriots fans last week amidst what had otherwise been an exciting start to free agency. From adding some of the best defensive talent available and a starting right tackle to being involved in possible trade conversations, it looked like New England was well on its way to finally improving its underwhelming roster.
Then came the news about two-time Super Bowl Champion Andrews leaving the team without much clarity on why the decision was made. With so much uncertainty around the offensive line and the lack of signings to improve the group for the 2025 season, it has been drawing a lot of concern about how Drake Maye will fare this fall.
Andrews was the longest-tenured lineman on the team and the most experienced, as he was one of the remaining members of the Tom Brady era. Now he will be playing elsewhere or retiring, which we are unsure of at this point, putting the Patriots in a position to find his replacement as soon as possible.
Because of that, they were immediately connected to recently released former first rounder Garrett Bradbury, who they just reached a deal with on Tuesday.
Sources: Former Vikings’ 2019 first-round pick Garrett Bradbury has reached agreement on a two-year deal worth up to $12 million, including $3.8 million guaranteed, with the New England Patriots.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 18, 2025
Bradbury started all 88 games he played for the Vikings. The Patriots recently… pic.twitter.com/ukWqfBV8bP
The Patriots wasted no time in finding their next presumed starting center
With another gaping hole on the offensive line following Andrews' departure, the Patriots faced a serious time crunch to fix another problem ahead of the 2025 season, especially with Drake Maye in mind.
It inevitably led them to one of the only remaining centers made available this offseason. They will now take a gamble on Bradbury earning the spot of replacing Andrews for the 2025 season. On paper, it seems like a solid move, as he is a former first-round draft pick and has proven athleticism, on top of being an six-year starter with the Vikings.
But there is also a reason they were willing to let him go this year. One reason is that he allowed a league-high number of pressures during the 2024 season. That doesn't bode well for the Patriots' objective of making Maye's job easier this year.
It's not a great look, but New England is not in a position to be too picky, as they were looking to head into the draft with another significant need to fill.