Patriots Part Ways with Longtime Center David Andrews Amid Injury Concerns

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — The New England Patriots are set to release longtime center David Andrews, a key figure in the franchise’s recent history. Multiple sources informed ESPN that the decision will be officially made public on Thursday, marking the end of Andrews’ tenure as an eight-time team captain and two-time Super Bowl champion.

Andrews, 32, has been recovering from shoulder surgery that limited his participation to just four games last season. Should he opt not to continue his career elsewhere, reports suggest the Patriots may honor Andrews with a retirement ceremony, akin to the one held for receiver Julian Edelman in 2021.

Over his ten-year career with New England, Andrews has played in 124 regular-season games, starting 121, and has participated in 12 playoff games with 10 starts. He was recognized as the center on the Patriots’ 2010s All-Decade Team after an impressive rise from undrafted free agent to the starting lineup.

Originally from the University of Georgia, Andrews has credited Patriots head coach Bill Belichick for providing him with the opportunity to play in the NFL, stating that Belichick was the only coach to personally conduct a workout with him prior to the 2015 draft.

As of this year, Andrews was entering the final year of his contract, set to earn a base salary of $4 million. In May 2023, the Patriots added an extension, guaranteeing $8 million for the 2025 season. However, Andrews’ season was cut short after he suffered a shoulder injury that required surgical intervention, prompting five months of rehabilitation.

In a reflective moment following the conclusion of the 2024 season, Andrews acknowledged the challenges he faced: “I did everything I could to try to play [in 2024] and it didn’t go well. I had to make a tough decision, knowing the surgery might not go well, and it might lead to more problems. But thankfully that went well.” He added, “I know this is a tough business; the organization might come to me and tell me it’s time to move on. I want to play football. I’ve done this for a long time — 26 years — and I’d like to make it 27 and see where it goes from there.”

With Andrews’ departure, the Patriots face a significant challenge as they head into free agency. The team has multiple options on the depth chart, including third-year players who started a total of 12 games last season, but none have Andrews’ experience or leadership.

Andrews also played a vital role off the field as the team’s Ron Burton Community Service Award recipient in 2020, the highest honor for off-field contributions. His presence in the locker room, where he often served as a spokesperson and was frequently the first player to speak to the media after games, will be missed.

The Patriots will likely pursue additional talent to fill the center position as free agency approaches, with several free agents available, including Coleman Shelton and Josh Myers.

As the team navigates this transition, Andrews will remain a beloved figure in the Patriots’ history, remembered for his commitment to the game and his contributions both on and off the field.