Garrett Bradbury has been one of the most recognizable centers in the NFL since entering the league as a first-round draft pick. Known for his athleticism and run-blocking ability, Bradbury has played key roles for multiple teams while sparking debates among analysts about his overall performance and value. From his PFF grades to contract moves and trade rumors, the veteran offensive lineman remains a notable name along the interior offensive line.
This article covers whether Garrett Bradbury is a good center, his PFF evaluations, contract details, trade developments, and career highlights.
Garrett Bradbury Career Overview
Garrett Bradbury entered the NFL as the 18th overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft after a standout college career at NC State Wolfpack football. He was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings and quickly became the team’s starting center.
Bradbury started every game he appeared in for the Vikings, totaling 88 starts across six seasons while anchoring the offensive line.
His experience and durability made him a consistent presence in the middle of the offensive line before he eventually moved on in free agency and later joined the New England Patriots.
Is Garrett Bradbury a Good Center?
The answer depends on the area of play.
Strengths
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Excellent run blocking: Bradbury is known for his mobility and ability to reach defenders in outside-zone schemes.
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Football IQ: As a center, he handles line calls and protections effectively.
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Consistency: Starting every game for multiple seasons shows durability and reliability.
Weaknesses
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Pass protection struggles: Analysts have often noted that larger defensive tackles can overpower him.
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Pressure rate allowed: In some seasons, he allowed a higher percentage of pressures than other centers.
Overall, Bradbury is widely considered a solid but not elite center—valuable in the run game but occasionally inconsistent in pass protection.
Garrett Bradbury PFF Grades Explained
Analytics site Pro Football Focus has frequently evaluated Bradbury’s performance.
Key PFF highlights include:
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2022 season: Around 70.2 overall grade, the best of his career.
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2024 season: Approximately 62.1 overall grade with stronger run-blocking numbers than pass blocking.
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2023–2024 rankings: Around the 31st–33rd ranked center in the league in those seasons.
These grades show that Bradbury has typically been a mid-tier starting center rather than a top-five player at the position.
Garrett Bradbury Contract Details
Bradbury’s contract situation has changed multiple times during his career.
Patriots Contract
In 2025, he signed a two-year contract worth up to $12 million with the New England Patriots, including $3.8 million guaranteed.
The deal was considered relatively low-risk because it gave the team an experienced starter without a long-term financial commitment.
Vikings Extension
Before leaving Minnesota, he had also signed a three-year extension with the Vikings after his improved 2022 season.
Garrett Bradbury Trade News
Bradbury has also been involved in trade discussions later in his career.
Reports indicate that the Patriots eventually traded him to the Chicago Bears for a 2027 fifth-round draft pick, reflecting teams’ continued interest in his veteran experience at center.
Analysts generally graded the trade around B- to B+, suggesting that Bradbury still holds value as a starting-caliber offensive lineman.
Garrett Bradbury Highlights
Bradbury’s highlights showcase the skills that made him a first-round pick:
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Athletic run blocking in zone schemes
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Quick movement to the second level to block linebackers
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Strong communication with quarterbacks at the line
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Consistent starting role with thousands of offensive snaps
His mobility and technique make him especially effective in modern NFL offenses that emphasize outside-zone running.
Final Thoughts
Garrett Bradbury may not always rank among the elite NFL centers, but his experience, mobility, and run-blocking ability keep him valuable to teams needing stability on the offensive line. With nearly a decade of NFL experience, multiple contracts, and trade interest across the league, Bradbury has proven he can remain a reliable starting center in the right system.
For teams emphasizing the run game and quick-release passing attacks, Bradbury continues to be a practical and dependable option.
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