Vikings Release Center Garrett Bradbury After Six Seasons with Team

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. — The Minnesota Vikings announced the release of longtime center Garrett Bradbury on Monday, March 17, 2025, following six seasons with the team. This decision comes on the heels of Bradbury’s anticipated departure after the Vikings signed former Indianapolis Colts center Ryan Kelly to a two-year, $18 million contract.

Bradbury, drafted 18th overall in the 2019 NFL Draft, started all 88 games in which he appeared for Minnesota. He became the first center in franchise history to start all 16 games during his rookie season, a feat that captured the admiration of fans and teammates alike.

The move to release Bradbury was reportedly due to difficulties in finding a trade partner willing to assume the remaining salary, which was set at $4.9 million for the upcoming season. Ultimately, the team opted to designate his release as a post-June 1 transaction, saving approximately $5.25 million against their salary cap this year.

The Vikings had prioritized fortifying their offensive line after a playoff run that exposed deficiencies, notably when quarterback Sam Darnold was sacked nine times in a January 13 loss to the Los Angeles Rams—tying a record for the most sacks in an NFL playoff game. Consequently, the Vikings’ acquisition of Kelly signifies a strategic shift to enhance their offensive line performance.

In his tenure, Bradbury also led the team to playoff appearances in 2019, 2022, and 2024. Despite showing promise during his early seasons, issues in pass protection persisted, with a Pro Football Focus report noting he allowed the highest number of quarterback pressures among centers last season.

Following the announcement of his release, speculation arose regarding Bradbury’s next destination. Mike Reiss of ESPN suggested interest from the New England Patriots, particularly after the team released veteran center David Andrews. Reiss remarked, “The Patriots could pursue Bradbury if he is released; they would not be interested in taking on his salary through a trade.”

Throughout his career, Bradbury earned respect from teammates, fostering camaraderie with players such as right tackle Brian O’Neill and former teammate Ezra Cleveland. His reputation as a well-liked player, coupled with his pass-blocking struggles, ultimately led to this significant change for the Vikings.

As Bradbury enters free agency, analysts will observe potential suitors closely, considering his experience and capability to adapt as a valuable depth player at minimum, or possibly as a starter for another team. The Vikings, meanwhile, are turning their focus to reshaping their roster to increase playoff potential for the upcoming season.