Former NFL First Round Draft Pick To Be Released At 29
Yesterday at 06:01 PM
A new signing has the Minnesota Vikings poised to cut a longtime starter.
On the first official day of NFL free agency, the Vikings signed Ryan Kelly to a two-year, $18 million deal. The four-time Pro Bowler replaces Garrett Bradbury, who's spent six seasons in Minnesota since getting taken as the No. 18 pick in 2019.
The Vikings won't change Bradbury's position. According to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero, they plan to release Bradbury if they can't trade him.
According to Over The Cap, releasing Bradbury would save the Vikings approximately $3.6 million in cap space. He's slated to make $5.25 million with a $6 million cap number and $2.4 in dead money.
Bradbury has started 92 career games, including all 18 (postseason included) last season. He played 100 percent of Minnesota's snaps for the fourth season.
Per Pro Football Focus, Bradbury committed six penalties and allowed four sacks in 2024. He graded 33rd among 64 centers, faring better at run blocking (70.7) than pass protection (48.2).
Minnesota upgraded the position by signing Kelly, whose overall 67.0 grade ranked 17th among centers. The 31-year-old, drafted in the same spot as Bradbury three years earlier, missed two games with a neck injury and five with a knee injury last season.
Kelly was the longest-tenured player on the Indianapolis Colts, playing his entire nine-year career with the AFC South squad.
The Vikings made another tweak to their offensive line, trading guard Ed Ingram to the Houston Texans after poaching Will Fries from the Colts. Dalton Risner, who has started 19 games for Minnesota over the last two seasons, remains a free agent.
Vikings fans are still waiting to see which quarterback their revamped offensive line will protect.
Minnesota could turn the offense to J.J. McCarthy after Sam Darnold signed a $100 million deal with the Seattle Seahawks. However, the team is still examining external options such as former NFC North rival Aaron Rodgers.
Related: Sports Illustrated Gives Major NFL Free Agent Signing "F" Grade
