Garrett Bradbury Joins New England Patriots on Two-Year Deal
The New England Patriots have secured a key addition to their offensive line, agreeing to terms with former Minnesota Vikings center Garrett Bradbury on a two-year contract worth $12 million. The deal, which includes $3.8 million in guaranteed money, was reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter. This move marks a significant transition for Bradbury, who spent the first six seasons of his career anchoring the Vikings’ offensive line.
Bradbury’s Tenure with the Vikings
Drafted by Minnesota in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft, Bradbury quickly became a mainstay at center. Over six seasons with the Vikings, he started all 88 regular-season games he played, proving to be a durable and dependable presence. His tenure in Minnesota was defined by steady development, helping to provide stability for multiple quarterbacks, including Kirk Cousins.
Bradbury’s consistency was one of his defining traits. Despite some early struggles in pass protection, he improved as a technician, refining his blocking techniques to become a more reliable asset in both the passing and running games. His athleticism and ability to get to the second level in run blocking made him a valuable contributor in Minnesota’s offensive scheme.
Patriots’ Offensive Line Reinforcement
By bringing Bradbury to New England, the Patriots are making a concerted effort to strengthen their offensive line ahead of the 2025 season. The team faced protection issues in recent years, often struggling with consistency in the interior line. Bradbury’s arrival will help solidify the center position, giving the Patriots a seasoned veteran who can bring leadership and stability to the unit.
New England’s offensive strategy under head coach Jerod Mayo and offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt will likely rely heavily on a strong foundation up front. With a mix of young talent and veteran presence, the Patriots are aiming to build a cohesive and resilient offensive line that can support their quarterback, whether it be a returning starter or a fresh face acquired via trade or the NFL Draft.
What Bradbury Brings to the Patriots
Bradbury’s skill set aligns well with New England’s offensive approach. His ability to process defensive schemes quickly and make adjustments at the line of scrimmage will be invaluable, especially with the Patriots likely to emphasize a balanced offensive attack. His experience as a starter in a competitive NFC North division has prepared him to face elite defensive tackles, and that experience will be crucial in the AFC East, where the Patriots must contend with formidable defensive fronts from the Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins, and New York Jets.
One of Bradbury’s standout qualities is his mobility. His athleticism allows him to excel in zone-blocking schemes, a trait that will benefit New England’s rushing attack. Running backs like Rhamondre Stevenson and any potential additions in free agency or the draft will benefit from Bradbury’s ability to create lanes and block effectively at the second level.
Bradbury’s Role Moving Forward
As he transitions to New England, Bradbury will be expected to take on a leadership role within the offensive line unit. His experience and knowledge of offensive line play will be crucial in mentoring younger linemen, helping them develop their skills and adapt to the Patriots’ system.
While his pass protection has shown improvement over the years, continued growth in that area will be vital as the Patriots look to enhance their offensive efficiency. If Bradbury can maintain his durability and continue refining his technique, he has the potential to be a key pillar of New England’s offensive front for the next two seasons.
Final Thoughts
The Patriots’ decision to sign Garrett Bradbury reflects their commitment to upgrading their offensive line with proven talent. His track record of reliability, athleticism, and leadership makes him a valuable addition to the team. As the 2025 season approaches, all eyes will be on how Bradbury integrates into New England’s system and contributes to their offensive resurgence.
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