The New England Patriots released longtime starting center David Andrews following an injury-plagued 2024, and nobody knows what the future holds for the two-time Super Bowl champion. A former undrafted free agent, Andrews quickly earned the trust of then-quarterback Tom Brady and became a fixture on the New England offensive line for the better part of a decade. Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end, and first-year head coach Mike Vrabel released Andrews after the veteran missed all but four games with a shoulder injury.
Now a free agent, David Andrews recently spoke about his future on the Quick Snap podcast. Saying that he was “a little surprised” by his release, Andrews acknowledged that he understood New England’s decision but believed he could have helped the organization and second-year quarterback Drake Maye following surgery.
“I thought I could have surgery and see what happens. And obviously, the team made a decision that they’re trying to do what’s best for the football team…Obviously, I thought there were some thing I could do to help and provide value. But I understand their decision at some level.”
David Andrews Speaks Out on Playing Future – Could Join New Teams
David Andrews didn’t commit to playing in 2025, but he also didn’t rule it out. Chances are, the veteran will wait to recover and see what options remain as we get closer to Week 1. For what it’s worth, a return to the Patriots is highly unlikely, as the team effectively replaced their longtime starter with former Vikings first-round pick Garrett Bradbury. However, that doesn’t mean he won’t find a home somewhere.
There aren’t enough good offensive linemen to go around, which means someone should kick the tires on Andrews, assuming he returns to health. While he may be closer to the end of his career than the beginning, David Andrews could have a future with one of the following teams.
Next Teams
Atlanta Falcons
The Atlanta Falcons lost Drew Dalman to the Chicago Bears, which means they must find someone to protect quarterback Michael Penix in 2025. While David Andrews might not be the player he once was, he could be the perfect veteran for a young offense with a bright future. Penix, Drake London, and Bijan Robinson are foundational pieces for this team, but they don’t have much overall experience in the NFL. Andrews could not only provide value on the field, but his off-field knowledge could prove just as valuable for a young team.
Los Angeles Chargers
The Chargers have four strong starters along the offensive line, with the last weak spot at center. Jim Harbaugh re-signed Bradley Bozeman and appears to have a soft spot for the longtime veteran. Perhaps he’s the best locker room presence in the world, but he’s a below-average starter better off as a do-everything backup than a 17-game starter. Center is the least important position on the offensive line, but David Andrews could still be an upgrade for a team that wants to win games on the ground.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Mitch Morse had a rough 2024 and the retired veteran will not return to his post in 2025. First-year head coach Liam Coen has his work cut out for him as he attempts to rebuild this franchise, so finding a center might not be his top priority. However, if he needs a cost-effective veteran to add a base level of competency to the roster, David Andrews could be the best choice for the job.
Main Photo: Eric Canha – Imagn Images
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