4 Realistic Candidates To Replace David Andrews As Patriots Center

The Patriots released their longtime starting center on Thursday. Add center to the list of needs the New England Patriots will have to address over the coming weeks and months. David Andrews, who held down the fort at the heart of the team’s offensive line, was released on Thursday. While the 32-year-old was coming off a season-ending shoulder injury, he still appeared to sit firmly atop the position depth chart heading into the offseason. With him now gone, however, the team will have to find a replacement. Who could it be?

We already looked at some names to watch in our immediate reaction article, but let’s go a bit more in-depth right now. Fact is, after all, that not every player with ties to the Patriots coaching staff is automatically a candidate to step in and start working with second-year quarterback Drake Maye. So, let’s thin down the group of theoretically-eligible players to four(ish) that we consider realistic options to start for the Patriots in 2025. When the Patriots announced they were releasing David Andrews last week after ten seasons in New England, it was shocking to fans, given how integral he had become within the team's offense. The offensive line already needs massive improvements, so to see a longtime starter like Andrews gone seemed like a recipe for disaster. They have already struggled to find a starting left tackle in free agency, and now they have to add a center into the equation, both of which need to be addressed before the 2025...

Because of the timing of the release, it seemed like the Patriots already missed out on the best successors for Andrews, but they might have just been gifted the right guy for the job,... In the days that followed the news about Andrews' departure, reporters like Mike Reiss discussed Mike Vrabel and Co.'s interest in some of the remaining free agents for the offensive line. When it came to a center, though, their options were far more limited, and they were said to be banking on the upcoming release of Garrett Bradbury from the Vikings. That move became official on Monday, with NFL insiders Tom Pelissero and Ian Rapoport reporting Minnesota's latest move, giving the Patriots a prime candidate to be the offensive lineman they need for next season. The Patriots said goodbye to one of their franchise legends Thursday but also face multiple questions at a key position group. New England released David Andrews after 10 seasons.

The move marked a culture shift with Mike Vrabel at the helm, and it also created another hole on the offensive line. The Patriots don’t have clear answers at left tackle, left guard and center and will have free agency and the draft to address those issues. The Patriots do have Cole Strange, Ben Brown, Jake Andrews and Lecitus Smith as center options on the roster. Strange and Brown are the current favorites to replace David Andrews. However, Strange is not a sure thing at the position despite playing it in the final games of the season and in college. And Brown was an unproven journeyman before he arrived in New England last season.

It would be foolish not to at least try to bring in depth to give the offensive staff options to address the offensive line. Given the remaining free agents as of Thursday morning, the players New England could consider are Andre James, Daniel Brunskill, Nick Harris and Corey Levin. Why those four? Well, the majority of the Patriots’ reported agreements this week had one thing in common: a connection with the coaching staff. James played with the Las Vegas Raiders when Josh McDaniels was the head coach. Brunskill and Levin played for Vrabel on the Tennesse Titans.

The Patriots head coach was only a consultant for the Browns, but he did overlap with Harris in Cleveland. Swinson was signed to the active roster on Saturday. As the New England Patriots placed defensive lineman Milton Williams on injured reserve this past weekend, a spot opened up on the 53-man roster. That was quickly filled by rookie pass rusher Bradyn Swinson, who has resided on the practice squad... Get ready to meet a young purebred Yorkshire Terrier who is looking for a forever family after being rescued from his neglectful previous home. Great Dog Rescue New England (GDRNE), a dedicated foster-based dog rescue in Massachusetts, would like you to meet Benji.

According to the rescue, “Benji was saved as a part of a police operation in Tennessee to shut down a backyard breeder/hoarding situation where he had been used as a male stud dog. Benji is ready to go to his new forever home as soon as possible and is ready to start his next chapter!” A local and dedicated foster-based dog rescue in Massachusetts, Great Dog Rescue New England (GDRNE), would like you to meet Branson Bounce, a young puppy who recently came into their care through tragic means. According to the rescue, “The Bounce pups were rescued in Georgia, after their momma had passed away unexpectedly and they were found as strays.” After being rescued, Branson and his siblings were all placed... But now Branson is the only one left who still has not found a forever home. Meet Harper Lee, a happy young dog who has overcome much hardship and is searching for her forever home.

Great Dog Rescue New England (GDRNE), a dedicated foster-based dog rescue in Massachusetts, recently highlighted Harper Lee, a mixed-breed girl who came into their care some time ago. According to the rescue, “Harper came into foster care a small, frail, and emaciated puppy; her legs were terribly deformed. We had hoped that it was just rickets and proper nutrition could fix her legs. Sadly, the rickets had already done permanent damage to her bones. She did wear a brace for a while on the worst-shaped leg, and it helped straighten it out some.” Get ready to meet a sweet young Beagle mix who is searching for a new home due to no fault of her own.

Great Dog Rescue New England (GDRNE), a dedicated foster-based dog rescue in Massachusetts, would like you to meet Maggie May, who recently came into their care after previously living with a loving owner. According to the rescue, “This sweet girl was surrendered to us in North Carolina, as her previous owner was suffering from dementia and could no longer care for this sweet girl.” It hasn’t taken long for the New England Patriots to replace recently released center David Andrews. They’ve moved quickly to snag former Minnesota Vikings pivot Garrett Bradbury in 2025 NFL free agency. The 29-year-old “has reached agreement on a two-year deal worth up to $12 million, including $3.8 million guaranteed,” according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. He confirmed terms of the contract handed to the 88-game starter on Tuesday, March 18.

Bradbury was probably the best center left on the veteran market, but it’s debatable he’ll be an upgrade over dependable Andrews. In fact, have already received a strong warning from multiple observers about their new man over the ball. Most of the warnings are focused on Bradbury’s apparent lack of size. The 6-foot-3, 305-pounder is considered by some to be undersized. Among the critics, Schefter’s colleague Mike Reiss “did a 3-game study of Garrett Bradbury from 2024 season (Week 1 vs. Giants, Week 8 vs.

Rams, Week 17 vs. Packers) and would compare his game to former Patriots center Ryan Wendell. Not a big body at the position (6-3, 300). Moves well. Smart, effective shotgun snapper, and assignment sound. Can be overpowered at times by bigger DTs.”

The New England Patriots found out on Wednesday that center David Andrews is expected to have season-ending shoulder surgery and land on injured reserve after leaving Sunday's game against the San Francisco 49ers just... New England has already dealt with many different issues on their offensive line, as they've started four different left tackles and two left guards (neither of which is the starter at the position). With David and Jake Andrews both out for the year, the Patriots turn to guard Nick Leverett to be their starting center. However, there are other options that the Patriots could consider. Let's take a look at who's available: Patriots center David Andrews to have season-ending surgery

Updated on: October 2, 2024 / 3:25 PM EDT / CBS Boston FOXBORO -- The Patriots lost the anchor of their offensive line on Wednesday, as longtime captain David Andrews has decided to undergo season-ending surgery on his injured shoulder. The Patriots will now turn to Nick Leverett at center for the rest of the 2024 season. Leverett is the "next man up" in New England, tasked with not only filling the shoes of a player and locker-room leader of Andrews' caliber, but also leading an offensive line that has struggled... Brissett has been running for his life on most draopbacks and has been sacked 15 times so far this season. The Patriots could look to sign a veteran center at some point, but head coach Jerod Mayo said Wednesday that isn't in the cards at the moment.

So that will leave Leverett, a converted guard, to snap the ball to Brissett in New England. He believes that he's up to the challenge.

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