Longtime Viking Finds New Home in Free Agency

This offseason, it has been made clear that the Minnesota Vikings were on a mission to fix the deficiency they had in the trenches last season (and before). They have added on both the offensive and defensive lines, which also meant moving on from former talent, as well.

It seemed as though the guard position was the most glaring need for the Minnesota Vikings, on offense. Before they improved at that position with the signing Will Fries though, general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah made a bit of a surprise move by inking Fries’ teammate in Indianapolis, former Pro Bowl center Ryan Kelly.

The signing of Kelly signaled the end of Garrett Bradbury’s run in Minnesota, a prophecy that came to fruition on Monday, when the Vikings failed to find a trade partner for their six-year starter, and thus chose to release the veteran out of NC State. Bradbury’s time on the open market didn’t last long, however.

Former Minnesota Vikings center Garrett Bradbury finds a new home

Tuesday afternoon, news broke that Garrett Bradbury had found his new home in New England, as a member of the New England Patriots. His new deal is worth two years and up to $12 million ($3.8M guaranteed). He’ll be tasked with helping along the development of 2024 No. 3 overall pick, Drake Maye.

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.

Bradbury started all 88 games he played for the Vikings. The Patriots recently… pic.twitter.com/ukWqfBV8bP

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 18, 2025

The Minnesota Vikings drafted Garrett Bradbury 18th overall during the 2019 NFL Draft. They decided against picking up his fifth-year option, after his third year in the NFL, but Bradbury earned an extension during that fourth season, anyway, which got us here.

Drake Maye was on the Minnesota Vikings radar last season. Ultimately, he went to the Patriots at No. 3 and the Vikings selecting J.J. McCarthy. It remains to be seen if McCarthy will be the primary signal caller for Kevin O’Connell in 2025, but we know he’ll have a different center snapping him the football.

Bradbury has big shoes to fill in New England

Apparently, the Patriots view Bradbury as an upgrade over what they have on the roster. As a Viking, the 29-year-old Charlottem, NC native started 88 games across his six seasons. His greatest deficiency came as a byproduct of size.

Last season, Aaron Jones and the MN Vikings running game was routinely stuffed in short-yardage situations, due to a lack of push from the interior offensive line. The same can be said for Sam Darnold, and Kirk Cousins, before him. In Minnesota, the most disruptive pass rushers over the past few seasons have come from the interior.

Related: Minnesota Vikings Free Agency Signings – 2025

Bradbury’s two-year deal signifies a certain level of commitment to the former Vikings starter, but most of his money is not guaranteed. The Patriots former center was David Andrews, who they released after nine season, 124 games played and two Super Bowl Rings.

That means Garrett Bradbury will have some big shoes to fill. Over the course of his career, the former Vikings first round pick has earned $28.5 million. This new deal guarantees he’ll add at least $4 million to that total.