Garrett Bradbury #56 of the Minnesota Vikings
Vikings Must Address Interior Offensive Line Woes After Playoff Collapse
The Minnesota Vikings’ promising 2024 season ended in disaster on Wild-Card Weekend, with their biggest flaws on full display. A record-setting nine sacks and an astounding 43 pressures allowed—15 of which came from Los Angeles Rams pass rushers Jared Verse and Byron Young—left quarterback Sam Darnold with no chance to operate.
What was once one of the NFL’s most efficient offenses looked completely overwhelmed, exposing a glaring weakness along the interior offensive line.
Now, as the Vikings shift their focus to 2025, general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah faces a crucial decision: Can they afford to run it back with the same group up front, or is it time for major changes?
Garrett Bradbury’s Future in Question
Among those under scrutiny is former first-round center Garrett Bradbury. ESPN’s Bill Barnwell has suggested that Minnesota could consider cutting Bradbury in an effort to revamp its protection for rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy, who is expected to take the reins next season.
“The veterans the Vikings have under contract are generally locked in or playing well enough to alleviate any concerns about being released,” Barnwell wrote for ESPN+. “The one exception might be Bradbury, who has settled in as a low-end starter at center.”
Bradbury’s $5.3 million salary for 2025 isn’t excessive, but his performance has left much to be desired. He posted Pro Football Focus’ lowest pass-blocking grade among Minnesota’s linemen in 2024 and surrendered a league-worst 38 pressures among centers. While Barnwell predicts Bradbury will likely remain the Week 1 starter due to his affordable contract, his struggles in the playoff loss may force the Vikings to reconsider.
Guard Play Was Just as Problematic
Bradbury wasn’t the only liability in the trenches last season. Right guard Ed Ingram, a former second-round pick, was benched midway through the year in favor of veteran Dalton Risner, who provided a much-needed upgrade. Meanwhile, left guard Blake Brandel struggled with consistency, leading the team with 11 penalties while allowing 46 pressures—second only to left tackle Cam Robinson’s 49.
These issues persisted despite the Vikings’ impressive 14-3 regular-season record. Minnesota found ways to mask its offensive line deficiencies during the year, but when faced with elite defensive fronts in the playoffs, those weaknesses were fully exposed.
Why the Vikings Need an Upgrade at Center
To truly contend in the NFC, Minnesota must invest in its offensive line. Look no further than the Philadelphia Eagles, who drafted center Cam Jurgens in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft. By 2024, Jurgens had already become one of the top centers in the league, earning a Pro Bowl nod.
The Vikings had similar hopes when they selected Bradbury 19th overall in 2019, but he hasn’t lived up to expectations. Instead of developing into a top-tier center, he’s been a liability in pass protection—something a young quarterback like McCarthy can’t afford in his first full season as the starter.
Minnesota Has the Resources to Fix the Problem
The good news? The Vikings have the seventh-most projected cap space in 2025. That financial flexibility should allow them to pursue premium talent on the interior offensive line. Whether it’s through free agency, a trade, or the draft, Minnesota must prioritize keeping its quarterback upright if it hopes to finally break through in the playoffs.
Bradbury, Risner, and Brandel may all be cost-effective options, but rolling out the same group in 2025 would be a mistake. If the Vikings truly want to contend, investing in better protection should be at the top of their offseason agenda.
About the Author
