The Minnesota Vikings' future is about setting rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy up for success. After selecting him 10th overall in the 2024 NFL Draft, the Vikings have their tackles in line through 2025 along with superstar wide receiver Justin Jefferson, tight end T.J. Hockenson and emerging star Jordan Addison.
One element that doesn't get talked about enough is the relationship the quarterback has with their center. It's an underrated element because there is a certain chemistry that comes with the quarterback and center exchange that matters. Remember when Josh Allen had to go under center against the Vikings and he fumbled the game away to Eric Kendricks? That chemistry and continuity matters.
The Vikings don't have the best center in Garrett Bradbury, but he has developed into a relatively consistent player and he could be a candidate for an extension, according to The Athletic's Alec Lewis.
Bradbury still has two years on his contract, although the Vikings could offload him before next season to recoup some cap space. Bradbury’s value lies in his experience which will be important to pair with what should eventually be a rookie quarterback in J.J. McCarthy. Bradbury’s knowledge of protections is a boon. This would, in many ways, be a bet that Bradbury continues to improve. His 2023 season was his most efficient as a pass protector, according to PFF.
When you look at the rising prices of offensive linemen, having Bradbury at $5.5 million average annual value is a good value for his production. However, it also doesn't mean that the Vikings should guarantee him more money if, as Lewis writes, they aren't sure.
Minnesota might want to wait it out. Why add more years and guaranteed money if you’re not sure? Bradbury’s 2024 cap hit is the eighth highest among NFL centers. His 2025 cap hit is projected to be the ninth highest among centers. The most likely scenario could see the Vikings closely observing Bradbury’s 2024 performance, seeing if seventh-round pick Michael Jurgens has the skill set to start in the future, and, if not, snagging another developmental center in the 2025 draft.
It's quite an interesting idea to bring back Bradbury, but having a veteran at center who can organize the protections and take something off of McCarthy's plate is an objectively great thing to have.
Would I bring back Bradbury on an extension? Not right now. He's a great value at center right now and has two years left on his contract. Giving him more money and years on his deal with his inconsistent profile is a risk that isn't worth making at the moment.
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