Minnesota Vikings Release Center Garrett Bradbury After Failed Trade Attempts
In a significant move that has raised eyebrows across the NFL, the Minnesota Vikings have officially released veteran center Garrett Bradbury, according to NFL Media’s Tom Pelissero and Ian Rapoport. The release comes after the team reportedly failed to find a suitor for a trade, as discussions regarding a potential deal for Bradbury fell through in recent weeks. With the Vikings looking to reshape their roster and clear cap space for the future, the decision to part ways with the former first-round draft pick signals a new chapter for the team’s offensive line and their approach moving forward.
Garrett Bradbury, a key figure on the Vikings’ offensive line for the past several seasons, was selected by the team in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft. While Bradbury showed promise early in his career, his performance has been met with mixed reviews. Over the past few years, he has been the subject of criticism for his inability to consistently anchor the Vikings’ offensive line, especially in pass protection. The decision to release Bradbury, despite his draft pedigree and past potential, speaks volumes about the Vikings’ commitment to improving their offensive front and their belief that the team’s future lies elsewhere.
The End of Bradbury’s Time in Minnesota
Garrett Bradbury’s time in Minnesota was a rollercoaster ride. Drafted 18th overall in 2019 out of NC State, Bradbury was expected to solidify the center position for the Vikings for years to come. His athleticism and quickness as a former college standout made him an appealing choice for a team looking to bolster their offensive line. Early on, Bradbury showed glimpses of the talent that led to his high draft status, but there were persistent issues with his play in the trenches.
Bradbury’s biggest struggles came in his ability to anchor against stronger defensive linemen, particularly in the run game. Despite his solid agility and quickness off the snap, he struggled against power rushers, especially those in the NFC North. The Vikings, with aspirations of improving their offensive line play, tried to work with Bradbury to address these weaknesses, but the issues persisted. His inability to dominate at the center position left the team in a precarious situation as they sought to improve the line and support quarterback Kirk Cousins and running back Dalvin Cook.
Despite the mixed reviews, Bradbury remained a starting fixture for the majority of his tenure in Minnesota. The team had faith in his potential and hoped that his skills would improve over time. However, after four seasons, it became increasingly clear that the Vikings needed to move in a different direction.
Trade Talks and the Vikings’ Decision to Release Bradbury
As the 2024 NFL season drew closer, the Vikings were faced with tough decisions regarding their roster and salary cap. Bradbury, despite being under contract for one more season, was rumored to be on the trade block as the team looked to find a more stable solution at center. Reports indicated that several teams were interested in acquiring Bradbury, but trade talks never materialized into a deal.
NFL Media insiders Tom Pelissero and Ian Rapoport were the first to report that the Vikings had been actively shopping Bradbury but were unable to find a partner for a trade. Potential suitors had concerns about his consistency and were hesitant to part with valuable assets for a player whose play had been up and down during his time with the Vikings. While Bradbury’s name was thrown around in trade discussions, the Vikings’ asking price was reportedly too high, and teams ultimately decided against making a move.
The failure to trade Bradbury forced the Vikings’ hand. With little movement in trade negotiations and the team’s financial situation requiring some cap flexibility, the Vikings decided that parting ways with the former first-round pick was the most logical option. Releasing Bradbury not only clears up cap space but also sends a message to the rest of the roster about the team’s willingness to make bold decisions when it comes to roster construction.
Cap Space and Future Roster Moves
The decision to release Bradbury frees up valuable cap space for the Vikings, which is expected to play a key role in their roster-building strategy moving forward. As of now, the Vikings have several pressing needs on both sides of the ball, and releasing Bradbury opens up room for the team to make key acquisitions through free agency or potentially sign an available replacement at center. With a more flexible salary cap, Minnesota can look to address multiple areas of concern, from improving the defensive line to adding another weapon on offense.
The release also provides the Vikings with the opportunity to explore other options at the center position. While Bradbury was a known commodity, he was not the long-term solution the Vikings hoped for when they selected him in the first round. Minnesota will likely look to sign a more capable and reliable center, either through free agency or the draft, to fill the void left by Bradbury’s departure. The team may even experiment with current players on the roster who could step in and provide more stability at the position.
Additionally, Bradbury’s release gives the Vikings a chance to reassess the makeup of their offensive line. The center position is critical to the success of the offensive line, and Minnesota will now be forced to find a player who can not only be more effective in pass protection but also excel in the running game to provide support for Dalvin Cook.
The Immediate Impact of Bradbury’s Release
Bradbury’s release will likely have an immediate impact on the Vikings’ offensive line plans. The most obvious question will be how the team plans to fill the hole at center. Currently, the Vikings have a few options, but none of them come with the level of experience or stability that Bradbury had. Some reports suggest that the team may look to one of their current interior offensive linemen, such as Garrett Bradbury’s backup or another player on the roster, to step into the starting center role. However, there is also the possibility that the team could enter free agency in search of a more experienced and proven center to fill the void left by Bradbury’s departure.
For the Vikings, the decision to release Bradbury is one step in a larger effort to overhaul the offensive line. In recent seasons, the team has struggled to establish consistent offensive line play, and Bradbury’s departure represents an attempt to bring in a better solution for the team’s future. With quarterback Kirk Cousins under center and running back Dalvin Cook in the backfield, the Vikings need a solid, dependable offensive line to compete at a high level in the NFC.
Bradbury’s Next Steps
As for Garrett Bradbury, his release opens up a new chapter in his NFL career. While his time in Minnesota has been filled with ups and downs, he is still a young player with potential, and there will likely be teams interested in bringing him in on a short-term deal. Bradbury has shown at times that he can be an effective starter, and while his struggles have been well-documented, his athleticism and upside are still appealing to several teams around the league.
Bradbury may look for a fresh start with a team that has a more established offensive line and is willing to work with him on his weaknesses. Teams in need of depth at the center position or those looking to develop young talent may see Bradbury as a reclamation project with the potential to revive his career. His next destination could be pivotal in determining the trajectory of his NFL future.
Conclusion
The Minnesota Vikings’ decision to release Garrett Bradbury marks the end of an era for the former first-round pick, whose time in Minnesota was filled with both promise and frustration. While Bradbury showed flashes of potential, he never fully lived up to the expectations that came with his high draft status. The Vikings are now focused on building a stronger offensive line, and releasing Bradbury allows them the financial flexibility to do so.
The move also signals a shift in the Vikings’ strategy as they look to improve their roster and make a push for contention in the NFC. Whether they choose to sign a free agent or develop a new center from within, the Vikings are making it clear that they are willing to make difficult decisions in order to build a team that can compete at the highest level. As for Bradbury, his future in the NFL remains uncertain, but the potential for a fresh start with another team could provide him the opportunity to rediscover his form and contribute once again at a high level.
