News broke on Thursday from ESPN’s Adam Schefter that the Minnesota Vikings are shaking things up with their offensive line, marking the end of Garrett Bradbury’s tenure as their center.
Bradbury’s time with the team will conclude unless a trade is finalized. This change follows his selection by the Vikings in the first round of the 2019 draft, where he was picked 18th overall. Over six seasons, he’s been a steadfast presence, starting all 88 games he participated in, including the full slate last season.
Despite the Vikings signing him to a three-year extension post-2022, the contract allows them to let him go in 2025 without absorbing any guaranteed money. This move will, in turn, free up $3.622 million in salary cap space for the team.
Standing at 300 pounds, Bradbury is regarded as one of the NFL’s lighter centers. This often left him at a disadvantage against heftier defensive linemen. Seeking improvement, the Vikings recently secured free agent Ryan Kelly, a four-time Pro Bowler during his nine-year run with the Indianapolis Colts, to take over the role.
Revamping their offensive line has been pivotal for the Vikings this offseason. They not only brought Kelly on board with a two-year, $18 million contract but also signed his Colts teammate, guard Will Fries, to a five-year deal worth $88 million.
On the same day, right guard Ed Ingram was traded to the Houston Texans in exchange for a sixth-round pick in the 2026 draft. Meanwhile, guard Dalton Risner, who has started 19 games in the past two seasons, is testing free agency.
Adding to the day’s activities, the Vikings also reached an agreement with offensive tackle Justin Skule. Skule, who started five games last year with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, is now set to bolster Minnesota’s ranks.
