On June 3, 2025, the Minnesota Vikings received an unexpected “final gift” from veteran center Garrett Bradbury, even though he was cut from the team in March. By officially designating Bradbury’s release as a post-June 1 cut, the Vikings saved $5.2 million in cap space, boosting their total available cap to over $18 million. This financial windfall not only provides a monetary boost but also opens significant opportunities for the Vikings to bolster their roster, particularly at the cornerback position. But what truly lies behind this shocking decision? Let’s uncover the secret behind the Vikings’ bold move and its impact on both the team and Bradbury.
Garrett Bradbury’s Journey with the Vikings
Garrett Bradbury, selected in the first round (18th overall) of the 2019 NFL Draft, was once expected to be a cornerstone at center for the Minnesota Vikings for years to come. With a stellar college career at NC State, where he won the Rimington Trophy (awarded to the nation’s top center) and allowed zero sacks in over 900 snaps in 2018, Bradbury seemed like the perfect fit for the Vikings’ offensive line. Over six seasons in Minnesota, he appeared in 88 regular-season games, starting every one and contributing to playoff runs in 2019, 2022, and 2024.
However, Bradbury’s tenure with the Vikings was not without its challenges. While he excelled in run-blocking, earning a 70.7 grade from Pro Football Focus (PFF) and ranking 14th among centers in the 2024 season, his pass-blocking was a glaring weakness. In 2024, Bradbury allowed 37 quarterback pressures, the most among centers in the league, and ranked 38th out of 41 in pass-blocking efficiency per PFF. These numbers, combined with struggles against larger defensive linemen, made him a frequent target of criticism from fans and analysts alike.
The Shocking Cut and the “Final Gift”
In March 2025, the Vikings decided to part ways with Bradbury after signing center Ryan Kelly, a four-time Pro Bowler from the Indianapolis Colts. Kelly, who allowed just 11 pressures in the 2024 season and ranked 5th in pass-blocking efficiency, was seen as a clear upgrade over Bradbury. Designating Bradbury’s release as a post-June 1 cut not only saved the Vikings $5.2 million in cap space but also gave them greater flexibility to add talent to the roster.
Because Bradbury’s final parting gift of just over $5 million brought the Vikings to nearly $19 million in cap space, the team can truly go out and make another notable move if they so choose to.
One of the areas Minnesota could still go after some talent? Cornerback.
There has been a big name on the trade market as of late in the Miami Dolphins’ Jalen Ramsey. The Vikings once made a similar move by bringing in an aging Patrick Peterson, who helped fortify their secondary.
Maybe, just maybe, Minnesota could swoop in and be the team that poaches him away from the Dolphins. Miami has been wanting to move on from Ramsey when the right deal presents itself, and the Vikings could make it happen.
Ramsey’s cap hit is just over $16 million for 2025, but it jumps up to over $25 million in 2026. Next year, though, Minnesota could move on and save $7 million in the process.
Maybe the Vikings could go out and bring back Stephon Gilmore, who is still looking for a job. Last season, Gilmore ended the year with eight pass breakups, an interception, and a forced fumble. He was a worthy addition for a Vikings defense that continues to have a depth need in their secondary.
Even if the Vikings don’t end up using the additional cap space right now, though, they will have some wiggle room come this next season’s trade deadline. If they’re a contending team, that money will come in handy.
The Secret Behind the Cut
The decision to cut Bradbury wasn’t solely based on his performance but also reflected the Vikings’ long-term strategy under head coach Kevin O’Connell. After signing Bradbury to a three-year, $15.7 million contract in 2023, the team had hoped he would improve his pass-blocking. However, his struggles in 2024, notably being overpowered by Colts defensive tackle Grover Stewart in a Week 9 win, tested the patience of the coaching staff.
Moreover, the shift toward a pass-heavy offense under O’Connell’s system demanded a more reliable offensive line to protect the quarterback. With plans to establish J.J. McCarthy, a promising young quarterback, as the offensive leader in 2025, the Vikings needed a center with superior pass-blocking skills, and Ryan Kelly fit the bill.
Despite efforts to trade Bradbury, the Vikings couldn’t find a team willing to take on his $4.9 million salary. This led to the decision to cut him, announced on March 17, 2025, with a post-June 1 designation to maximize financial benefits.
Bradbury’s New Chapter with the Patriots
Less than 24 hours after his release, Bradbury found a new home with the New England Patriots, signing a two-year, $12 million contract with $3.8 million guaranteed. In New England, he is expected to replace David Andrews, the veteran center cut around the same time. Bradbury brings stability and experience to a Patriots offensive line in dire need of improvement to protect rookie quarterback Drake Maye, who was sacked 34 times in his debut season.
Bradbury views this move as a “reset” for his career. At his introductory press conference at Gillette Stadium, he stated, “I’m not bitter toward the Vikings. This is a chance to reinvent myself and prove my worth. When you think you’re set, that’s when you get left behind.” With a positive mindset and a personal connection to Drake Maye’s family (through a brother-in-law who played baseball with Maye’s brother), Bradbury is poised to start anew.
Long-Term Impact on the Vikings and Patriots
For the Vikings, cutting Bradbury not only provides financial relief but also signals a shift in roster-building strategy. The $5.2 million in cap savings allows them to pursue stars like Jalen Ramsey or invest in other positions, positioning the team for a stronger 2025 season. However, the move raises questions about the development of Michael Jurgens, a 7th-round pick in 2024, who is now the leading candidate to back up Ryan Kelly.
For the Patriots, Bradbury offers a chance to stabilize their offensive line, though he’s not considered an elite center. Under head coach Mike Vrabel and offensive line coach Doug Marrone, Bradbury has an opportunity to leverage his run-blocking skills to fit the Patriots’ run-heavy scheme. However, his pass-blocking weaknesses remain a concern, especially with the Patriots’ offensive line still needing upgrades, particularly at left tackle.
Conclusion
Garrett Bradbury’s “final gift” to the Vikings goes beyond cap savings—it’s an opportunity for the team to reshape its future. The decision to cut him, though shocking to many fans, reflects the Vikings’ strategic vision to build an offensive line better suited to their modern system. Meanwhile, Bradbury, with his optimism and new opportunity in New England, stands at a crossroads to prove his worth. Can he overcome his past limitations? And how will the Vikings utilize their newfound cap space? Only time will tell.