The writing was on the wall that the Minnesota Vikings could part ways with several longtime starters.
Minnesota splurged in the first couple days of free agency, spending nearly $250 million in signings -- the most of any team in the NFL. Among those signings was the acquisition of Indianapolis Colts center Ryan Kelly and guard Will Fries, which put incumbent starters Ed Ingram and Garrett Bradbury's futures in question.
On March 13, the Vikings traded Ingram, a 2022 second-round pick, to the Houston Texans in exchange for a 2025 sixth-round pick.
Bradbury, a 2019 first-round pick, should have fetched at least similar draft capital if not an earlier pick.
However, according to The Athletic's Diana Russini, Minnesota plans to release Bradbury with one year remaining on his contract. If the Vikings do not
The Vikings plan to release OL Garrett Bradbury, their 2019 first-round pick.
— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) March 13, 2025
As it appears the Vikings couldn't find a trade partner for Bradbury, several fans called out the potential blunder by Minnesota.
"The fact that Ingram can fetch a draft pick but Bradbury can't is making my head fuzzy," one commenter wrote in response to Russini's report.
"Damn, one would think that the Vikings could at least get a sixth round pick like they did for Ed Ingram, or maybe slightly better," another fan said. "Oh well…"
Related: Brett Favre Might've Crushed Vikings-Aaron Rodgers Dream
Keeping Bradbury as a depth piece remains an option that wouldn't hemorrhage the Vikings' spending power. He carries a $6 million cap hit for the 2025 season, and cutting him will create $3.6 million now or $5 million with a post-June 1 designation.
"Why not play him at LG and provide depth at center," a fan wrote.
It is a curious move if it goes final, which appears to be the case.
He's so cheap. Just keep him for depth," another fan pleaded. "Why give up all leverage?"
Related: Ex-Vikings QB Facing Backlash Over 'Gigantic Mistake' After Departure
Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved
This story was originally published March 13, 2025 at 3:08 PM.