Minnesota Vikings Coach Kevin O’Connell Stands by Garrett Bradbury Despite Fan Frustrations

A Controversial Decision for the Vikings’ Offensive Line
After another season in which Garrett Bradbury struggled as a pass blocker, many Minnesota Vikings fans were hoping for a major change at the center position. However, recent comments from Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell suggest that the team is not yet ready to move on from their veteran offensive lineman.

O’Connell’s Statement at the NFL Scouting Combine
During the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine, O’Connell addressed questions regarding the future of Minnesota’s interior offensive line. Instead of hinting at potential replacements, the head coach emphasized the need for improved execution and physicality.

“The replace word, I don’t know if I would necessarily use that,” O’Connell stated. “It was more just an emphasis on how I believe we need to play, and we need to be able to have a level of execution and a level of physicality that holds up over 17 games. Then, as we learned this year, after playing well in December, which was a goal of ours, we’ve got to find a way to get back in the dancing and put our best foot forward in January.”

What This Means for Garrett Bradbury’s Future
O’Connell’s comments suggest that Bradbury remains an important part of the team’s plans heading into the 2025 season. Despite ranking among the worst centers in the NFL in pass protection, Bradbury has been with the Vikings throughout O’Connell’s tenure, making him a familiar and trusted presence.

With the Vikings transitioning to rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy as their new starter, O’Connell may prefer to maintain stability at the center position rather than introduce two new starters on the offensive line. Keeping Bradbury for at least one more season could provide a sense of continuity and support for McCarthy as he adjusts to the NFL.

Contract Considerations and Future Implications
Bradbury’s contract with the Vikings runs through the 2025 season and is set to expire in 2026. If he continues to struggle in pass protection, Minnesota could simply opt not to re-sign him after the upcoming campaign. This gives the team some flexibility without committing to an immediate and costly overhaul at the position.

While the Vikings may still bring in competition for Bradbury during the offseason, it’s unlikely they will make a significant investment in a potential replacement. Instead, Minnesota’s center group heading into training camp will likely include Bradbury, 2024 seventh-round pick Michael Jurgens, and possibly an undrafted rookie.

Vikings Fans Will Have to Wait for a Change
For fans hoping for a dramatic shift at center, O’Connell’s comments indicate that any major changes will have to wait at least another year. While Bradbury’s struggles have been frustrating, the team appears committed to giving him another chance in 2025.

Whether this decision helps stabilize the Vikings’ offense or leads to continued issues in pass protection remains to be seen. For now, Minnesota is standing by their veteran center, despite the growing calls for change from their fanbase.