The New England Patriots are diving into Phase II of their rebuild under Mike Vrabel, and the stakes are high. Last season, Vrabel, alongside MVP-caliber quarterback Drake Maye, transformed the Patriots from a last-place team to Super Bowl contenders. Now, they're looking to solidify that success.
A key part of Vrabel’s initial overhaul was revamping the offensive line, bringing in four new starters. Center Garrett Bradbury was one of those additions, but as the Patriots look to the future, he's now seen as a potential cut.
The 2025 offensive line was a temporary fix, meant to stabilize one of the league's weakest units. While it helped the Patriots reach the Super Bowl, it still allowed 47 sacks in the regular season and another 21 in the playoffs, including a painful six in the Super Bowl.
These hits took a toll on Maye, contributing to his shoulder injury and a lackluster offensive showing in the big game. Clearly, changes are needed.
The offensive line remains a crucial factor in keeping the Patriots' Super Bowl window open. Vrabel has committed to Will Campbell as his left tackle, but beyond that, no position is safe. Bradbury, who started all 17 games in 2025, is a prime candidate to be cut, as suggested by Chad Graff of The Athletic.
Bradbury’s $7.5 million cap hit, with only $1.2 million in dead cap, makes him an expendable piece. Vrabel could reallocate these resources, especially since Bradbury’s potential replacement might already be on the roster.
Enter Jared Wilson, the former Georgia Bulldogs center who played left guard last season. Although he struggled at guard, Wilson could transition back to center, saving cap space for other needs. Vrabel will assess Wilson’s fit at center while exploring free agency for additional line support.
Two top guards are on Vrabel's radar: David Edwards from the Bills and Wyatt Teller from the Browns. Edwards, entering his eighth season at 29, could bring veteran stability, while also weakening an AFC East rival. Teller, though a bit older at 32, offers versatility across guard positions.
Regardless of who fills the guard spots, Wilson is likely to start at center initially. Vrabel might also target a center in the draft with one of his four sixth-round picks, aiming for a versatile player who can provide depth.
Change is inevitable for the Patriots' offensive line, and Bradbury’s departure seems like the first step in this ongoing transformation. With strategic moves, Vrabel aims to protect Maye better and keep the Patriots in the championship conversation.