Garrett Bradbury
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Center Garrett Bradbury has been listed as a potential cut candidate for the Patriots this offseason
The New England Patriots accomplished quite a bit during their unexpected run to Super Bowl LX. When all was said and done, though, they came up short, meaning the team will have its work cut out for it this offseason. Generally speaking, the Patriots are in a decent spot, but in order to get over the hump, they will have to make some tough decisions this offseason.
New England is already armed with well over $30 million in cap space heading into the offseason, but there are still several spots where the team could be looking to trim some fat. One area is along the offensive line, which is going to need some retooling this offseason. That has led to the team’s starting center, Garrett Bradbury, being floated as a potential cut candidate.
Garrett Bradbury Emerges as Cut Candidate for Patriots
With New England moving on from longtime center David Andrews last offseason, they signed Garrett Bradbury to a two-year, $9.5 million contract to come in and replace him. Given all that Andrews had accomplished during his time with the Pats, Bradbury had some big shoes to fill, but he ended up turning in arguably the best season of his career.
After spending the first six seasons of his career as an unheralded piece of the Minnesota Vikings‘ offensive line, Bradbury immediately slotted in at center for New England from day one. He played in all 17 games for the team and was arguably the most consistent piece of a group that featured a pair of rookies, Will Campbell and Jared Wilson, on the left side of the line.
Considering how poorly this unit played throughout the playoffs, though, there could be some changes made over the offseason. According to Chad Graff of The Athletic, Bradbury could find himself as the odd man out, despite his strong season, as he suggested the team could look to turn to a younger option at the middle of its o-line.
“The Patriots’ roster is in relatively good shape. Unlike past years, there aren’t any obvious candidates to cut,” Graff wrote. “They could split with wide receiver Stefon Diggs or tight end Hunter Henry given the lack of guaranteed money remaining on their respective contracts. But wide receiver and tight end are already positions of need for the Pats. So, perhaps they move on from Bradbury as they usher in offensive line changes.”
Should the Patriots Release Garrett Bradbury?
Garrett Bradbury
GettyCenter Garrett Bradbury has been listed as a potential cut candidate for the Patriots this offseason
As Graff notes, there isn’t really an obvious cut candidate for the Pats, which speaks to their current cap situation and the setup of their roster. The front office has done a good job of lining the roster with talented players who are on contracts that match their value. As a result, New England may not have to release anyone before free agency opens.
The case for cutting Bradbury certainly exists, but it feels like it would be making a move just for the sake of making one. Bradbury vastly outplayed his contract in 2025, and while releasing him would save $6.2 million, would that really help New England find an upgrade over him? If anything, the Patriots could explore a potential contract extension or restructure for Bradbury, but moving on from him entirely after a strong debut campaign with N.E. feels shortsighted.