JUST-ANNOUNCE: Vikings Cut Longtime Starter After Major Free Agency Splash — Now He’s Breaking His Silence

One of the Minnesota Vikings’ most notable offseason moves came at the expense of longtime starting center Garrett Bradbury. A first-round pick in 2019, Bradbury had held down the position for six seasons before the Vikings opted to sign Pro Bowl center Ryan Kelly from the Indianapolis Colts in March, inking him to a two-year, $18 million deal.

With Kelly on board, the Vikings explored potential trade options for Bradbury but ultimately released him, making him one of the final remaining players from former GM Rick Spielman’s draft classes.

Bradbury later landed with the New England Patriots, signing a two-year, $9.5 million contract. Speaking to the media for the first time since the move, Bradbury addressed his exit from Minnesota.

“That’s the business,” he said on April 10. “You never want to get too comfortable, and this was a wake-up call. It’s like, ‘Alright, that’s how they feel, time to move on.’ There’s no bitterness—I’m not holding any grudges. It’s a fresh opportunity for me. Change forces growth, and now I get to re-invent and re-prove myself.”

Bradbury added that he’s embracing the challenge: “New team, new offense—what can I bring to the table? You have to show it every day—in the meeting room, on the practice field, in the weight room. It’s not even a wake-up call, really. It’s just something new, and I’m excited about it.”

Known for his athleticism as a former college tight end, Bradbury’s smaller frame has sometimes been a liability in pass protection. Last season, he allowed a career-high 38 pressures, per Pro Football Focus (PFF). Some argue that better guard play might have helped him more, given how much the interior line relies on chemistry and collective performance.

Following a brutal playoff loss to the Rams where the Vikings gave up a postseason-record nine sacks, the team made the offensive interior a top priority. Along with signing Ryan Kelly, they added former Colts guard Will Fries on a massive five-year, $88 million contract and may look to further bolster the unit in the upcoming NFL Draft.