Vikings Plan to Move Garrett Bradbury

The Minnesota Vikings have invested in their offensive line. Fixing the much-maligned unit has clearly been a priority for the club that went one-and-done in last year’s postseason. Along the way, Ryan Kelly and Will Fries, a couple of former Colts, were added to help protect the passer and open running lanes for rushers.

Vikings Plan to Move Garrett Bradbury

That demoted two guys. Ed Ingram was shipped to Houston, where he will get a much-needed fresh start.

His neighbor in the starting unit in the last three Week 1 matchups, Garrett Bradbury, fell victim to Kelly. There has been some speculation about moving him to guard. Even keeping him as a premier backup was a theory, but it looks like divorce is more likely.

Tom Pelissero reported, “The Vikings plan to release center Garrett Bradbury if they can’t trade him, sources tell me and Ian Rapoport. The team signed veteran Ryan Kelly to replace Bradbury, a first-round pick in 2019 who started 88 games in Minnesota. He turns 30 in June and now is headed elsewhere.”

It makes sense to try to find a trade partner, but there isn’t much leverage. Other teams know the Vikings want to move on after acquiring Kelly and can just wait to talk to Bradbury following a release and save the draft capital.

Bradbury came to Minnesota in 2019 as the first-round pick. Centers need to be absolute superstars to be worthy of that choice, and it’s safe to say that he wasn’t that. However, he has handled the center duties in the middle of Minnesota’s line for half a dozen years, which is not entirely invaluable.

He has played in 88 career games (all starts). His PFF resume is a little concerning, but it reflects the feelings of Vikings fans quite well.

• 2019: 57.8 (28th of 35 centers)
• 2020: 61.4 (25th/36)
• 2021: 60.2 (29th/39)
• 2022: 67.5 (11th/36)
• 2023: 60.9 (23rd/36)
• 2024: 62.8 (27th/40)

His grades indicate starting-caliber play but on the low end. The Vikings now made the move from one veteran center to another. Throughout the years, Bradbury became synonymous with the undersized offensive line that struggled against power but was athletic in the running game. His pass protection was shaky at best.

A potential destination for Bradbury is the New England Patriots, who moved on from their longtime center, David Andrews, on Thursday. He had been an integral player since the Tom Brady days.

By releasing Bradbury, the franchise can save about $3.6 million in cap space. The Ingram trade saved roughly another $3.4 million. With that money, Adofo-Mensah can acquire another decent guard or add an extra defensive back to the rotation.

Editor’s Note: Information from PFF, Over The Cap, and Pro Football Reference helped with this article.

Janik Eckardt is a football fan who likes numbers and stats. The Vikings became his favorite team despite their quarterback at the time, Christian Ponder. He is a walking soccer encyclopedia, loves watching sitcoms, and prefers Classic rock over other genres. Follow him on Twitter if you like the Vikings: @JanikEckardt