Minnesota Vikings Roster Overhaul: Key Decisions Ahead
A Pivotal Offseason for the Vikings The Minnesota Vikings are on the verge of a significant roster transformation, with free agency and the NFL Draft set to reshape their lineup. A staggering 45% of their 2024 snaps are tied to pending free agents—the highest percentage in the entire league. With so much in flux, critical decisions must be made, particularly on the offensive line, where long-standing weaknesses have persisted.
A Decade-Long Struggle on the Offensive Line For Vikings fans, the need to bolster the interior offensive line has been an ongoing concern—arguably since Steve Hutchinson’s departure in 2011. The final two games of the 2024 season underscored this issue, as the Vikings’ interior line struggled significantly against the Detroit Lions and Los Angeles Rams. Without improvement in this area, the team’s offensive efficiency could continue to suffer in the coming seasons.
Should the Vikings Move On from Garrett Bradbury? One of the biggest questions surrounding the offensive line is the future of center Garrett Bradbury. Drafted 18th overall in 2019, Bradbury was initially seen as a plug-and-play solution, expected to thrive in the Vikings’ zone-blocking scheme. While he remains a strong run blocker, his pass protection has been a persistent liability.
According to Pro Football Focus (PFF), Bradbury’s 2024 performance was as follows:
- Overall Grade: 62.8 (Ranked 20th among centers)
- Run Blocking: 70.5 (10th overall)
- Pass Blocking: 50.5 (26th overall)
His pass protection struggles were particularly glaring in 2024, allowing a career-high 38 pressures compared to just 22 in 2023. While some of these pressures can be attributed to quarterback play—Sam Darnold’s tendency to hold the ball longer certainly played a role—Bradbury’s limitations against power rushers remain a significant concern.
Exploring Alternative Options The idea of replacing Bradbury is attractive, but viable upgrades are scarce. One name frequently mentioned is Atlanta Falcons center Drew Dalman. While Dalman shares a similar size and excels in run blocking, his pass protection is not significantly better. His career pass-blocking efficiency is only 0.1% lower than Bradbury’s, making him a lateral move rather than a clear improvement.
Another potential option is Indianapolis Colts center Ryan Kelly. At 32, Kelly brings veteran leadership and a higher level of pass protection than Bradbury, but injury concerns make him a risky investment. If the Vikings choose to pursue him, they must weigh the potential benefits against the risk of durability issues.
Is a Change Worth the Cost? Financially, moving on from Bradbury comes with complications. His 2024 cap hit is $6,064,000, and releasing him would result in $2,442,000 in dead cap. Meanwhile, Dalman would likely demand a higher salary, making the swap questionable in terms of value.
If the Vikings are serious about upgrading the center position, they must ensure that any replacement is a clear upgrade, not just a different name with the same weaknesses. Given past missteps in offensive line acquisitions, the team must tread carefully to avoid exacerbating an already problematic area.
Final Verdict: Stick or Twist? While Bradbury’s deficiencies in pass protection are well-documented, replacing him is not as straightforward as it might seem. If the Vikings can land a true upgrade in free agency or the draft, making a change would be a prudent move. However, swapping Bradbury for a player with similar flaws could prove counterproductive. The Vikings must carefully evaluate their options to ensure that any change actually results in tangible improvement, rather than a mere reshuffling of existing issues.
