After one veteran departs, another is coming in.

David Andrews was released last week, but that void has quickly been filled. Former Minnesota Vikings center Garrett Bradbury has reportedly signed a two-year deal worth up to $12 million, including $3.8 million of the contract guaranteed.

Andrews started 121 of 124 games in New England upon entering the league. Bradbury has started in all 88 games he’s played in since being drafted in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft (18th overall). While guys like Ben Brown, Jake Andrews and of course Cole Strange are all options at the center position, Bradbury seemingly immediately pencils in as the team’s starting center as of March 18th.

Bradbury’s dependability (16, 16, 13, 12, 14, 17 games played in each of his first six years) is arguably his best trait, but the 6’3,” 300lbs. frame doesn’t hurt either.

Forming some continuity with Drake Maye shouldn’t take too long either.

Bradbury is a Charlotte, North Carolina native, although he did go to Maye’s rival NC State. He’s also a guy who understands the various moving parts of an offense, having played tight end before converting to O-line while with the Wolfpack.

At just 29-years old, Bradbury heads out on his own for the first time away from the Minnesota organization and suddenly finds himself in a spot where his relationship on and off the field with Maye might be the most important relationship formed around Foxboough.

If Bradbury can remain healthy and dependable, the Patriots might have found their center-QB combo for the next handful of years at the very least.