Garrett

Bradbury

Bradbury has been a capable-if-unexciting center for a few years now, and even though the Patriots made it the Super Bowl he posted his worst PFF run blocking grade of his career in the process. Bradbury has one year remaining on a two-year contract signed last offseason. He may not be Chicago’s only attempt to address the sudden retirement of Drew Dalman, but he offers them a capable floor.

The Patriots didn’t let Bradbury practice on Wednesday or Thursday, but he went in full today. The Patriots should have their full starting offensive line ready to go for Sunday’s Wild Card showdown against the Chargers on NBC. Guard Jared Wilson (concussion) cleared protocol today and is not on the final injury report either.

Patriots OLB Anfernee Jennings (illness) and OT Morgan Moses (illness) resumed practicing in full. Patriots OT Vederian Lowe (illness) remained sidelined, and did DT Khyiris Tonga (foot). All ill players have a chance to play in the Patriots’ Wild Card Round game against the Chargers.

Bradbury joins OLB Anfernee Jennings, OT Vederian Lowe, and OT Morgan Moses as players out with illness on Wednesday. The only non-illness absence on the active roster for the Pats was DT Khyiris Tonga (foot). Sitting with illness this early in the week generally does not mean the players will miss the game, but it is certainly a situation to keep an eye on for the Pats’ offensive line heading into the Wild Card round against the Chargers. Tonga is a key run stuffer that will have a couple more chances to practice ahead of Sunday’s game.

Bradbury is now considered questionable for Monday night’s tilt with the Giants. With the Patriots already down rookie offensive tackle Will Campbell and left guard Jared Wilson, the team can ill-afford to lose a third starter along the line. The good news is that players listed with illnesses tend to play through those things more often than not. In the event he can’t go, however, Ben Brown would be next in line to fill his spot.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that the contract contains $3.8 million in guarantees and can be worth “up to” $12 million. That’s not exactly guaranteed starter money for Bradbury, but the Patriots have quite a vacancy to fill after releasing David Andrews earlier this offseason. Cole Strange started two games at center for the Pats late last season and would appear to be the incumbent competition. We’d bet on Bradbury to win the battle, perhaps with Strange heading to left guard.

After failing to trade the veteran center, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reports the Vikings will release Bradbury and designate him as a post-June 1 release to spread out the cap hit. Bradbury was selected No. 18 overall by the Vikings in 2019 and has started all 88 games he’s appeared in during his career. After being bit by the injury bug in each of the previous three seasons, Bradbury suited up for all 17 games in 2024 and earned a PFF blocking grade of 62.1. Now free to sign with anybody, Bradbury shouldn’t struggle to find a new landing spot on a short-term deal this upcoming season.

As Pelissero notes, the Vikings “signed veteran Ryan Kelly to replace Bradbury, a first-round pick in 2019 who started 88 games in Minnesota.” Earlier today, FOX Sports’ Brock Huard reported that Sam Darnold “loved” playing with Bradbury during his 2024 run with the Vikings. Huard expects Bradbury’s likely trade cost to be a sixth- or seventh-round pick. Perhaps, this is the Vikings’ way of asking the Seahawks for at least some sort of mild compensation. Seattle certainly would figure to upgrade its interior blocking personnel before the 2025 season kicks off.

Bradbury has played every snap in all three games this year, though his performance has been questionable at best. Pro Football Focus has credited him with 10 pressures allowed on 95 pass-blocking reps. Still, continuity matters more at offensive line than any other position group. Losing Bradbury would still be an inconvenience for a red-hot Sam Darnold. His status will be monitored throughout the week.

Bradbury has missed all but a handful of snaps this season because of the back issue. He went down early in Week 1 and has been sidelined since. His return will help stymie a potent Kansas City pass-rush.