Garrett Bradbury probably saw it coming, but that doesn’t make it any less brutal. One minute, you’re a first-round pick anchoring the Vikings’ O-line, and the next? You’re out the door like yesterday’s news. And just like that, Minnesota moved on from the 29-year-old center after six seasons, leaving him searching for a new home. But that’s the beauty of the NFL.

One team’s castoff is another team’s upgrade, and let’s just say it didn’t take long for a new home to come calling. Go on, have your guesses. On Wednesday, the ESPN Senior NFL insider, Adam Schefter, reported that Bradbury has reached an agreement on a two-year deal with the New England Patriots. As per the sources, the contract terms include $12 million for a couple of years, including $3.8 million guaranteed.

“Sources: Former Vikings’ 2019 first-round pick Garrett Bradbury has reached agreement on a two-year deal worth up to $12 million, including $3.8 million guaranteed, with the New England Patriots,” Schefter wrote in his ‘X’ post.

The Vikings drafted Bradbury with the 18th overall pick back in the 2019 NFL draft. Though some might consider the guy slightly undersized for the offense given he’s 6’3” and weighs 300 pounds, Bradbury had some of the best seasons across six years in Minnesota. The 29-year-old center started every game for the Vikings that he played (88 in the regular season and 4 in the playoffs) and carries an image of a strong run blocker.

But why did the Vikings release him in the first place? “I feel like I’m playing my best ball,” Bradbury had said last year. But nope, he couldn’t hold his ground in pass protection, and the Vikings weren’t about to sit around and watch their QB take hits. The result? After six long seasons, Kevin O-Connell and Co. decided to part ways with him.

Enter Mike Vrabel who’s looking to use Bradbury’s potential considering the Pats want to bolster their O-line. But where does he fit in New England? Oh, that’s not a tricky part for either of the parties. You see, the Patriots recently released 10-year veteran and team captain David Andrews, who had been their starting center for most of the last decade. That means Bradbury is all set to replace Andrews in 2025.

That said, the Patriots just got a well-needed replacement for Andrews, and as for the Vikings… well, they’re making waves while investing in players rather than releasing them.

Kevin O’Connell’s rebuilding the Vikings on a heavy budget

Here’s the thing—when it comes to spending this offseason, the Vikings aren’t just opening their wallet, they’re throwing it across the table. Actually, scratch that. In just a few days, they’ve dropped more cash on players than any other team in the NFL. We’re talking over $300 million and nearly $160 million in guaranteed income—give it to the Russo Brothers, and boom—we’re getting another Endgame. But why are they spending so much on their players? Let’s break that down,

So far, the Vikings have signed 14 players through re-signing, trades, and free agency with a combined investment of $300M. First and foremost, the team has spent massively on their running game. Especially after signing center Ryan Kelly, guard Will Fries, starting tailback Aaron Jones, and new backup running back Jordan Mason, it cost them half of their total expenditure in the last week.

But let’s be real—Minnesota’s intent was definitely pure while bolstering their running game. You see, under the helm of Kevin O’Connell, the team ranked 28th in the NFL in percentage of designed runs (35.3%) and 27th in rushing yards per game (99.4) since the 2022 season. Huh! Well, after upgrading their running game, it looks like the HC has his sight on the first playoff win under his tenure. No wonder the Vikings have signed the veteran center Ryan Kelly and are spending massively on their O-line.

On the flip side, the team has offered a hefty contract extension worth $66M (nearly $35M in guaranteed) to their CB, Byron Murphy Jr. Why? Well, just ask why not. The guy is set to enter his eighth season after earning his first Pro Bowl in the last season. However, that’s another thing that the 27-year-old CB was the NFL’s most targeted defender.

To make things spicier or should be say, expensive, the Vikings signed two veteran DTs, Jonathan Allen ($60M for three years) and Javon Hargrave ($30M on a two-year deal). The way things are shaping up—the Vikings have spent over $300M in the last week, there’s no doubt about that. However, one thing’s certain: whether it’s their running game or their D-line, Kevin O’Connell and Co. are surely bolstering their roster.