The Minnesota Vikings are undergoing a significant transformation along their offensive line as they continue to reshape their roster during the NFL free agency period. The team has been active in making strategic moves, with the latest development being a trade involving one of their talented stars and ongoing efforts to finalize the future of their long-time center.
On Thursday, the Vikings officially announced they had traded their guard to the Houston Texans in exchange for a sixth-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. This move comes as part of the team’s broader effort to revamp their offensive line and establish a stronger, more durable unit to support their offense in the upcoming season. Meanwhile, multiple reports suggest that the Vikings are actively exploring trade opportunities for center Garrett Bradbury. If they are unable to find a suitable trade partner, the team is prepared to release him outright, marking the end of his tenure in Minnesota.
One of the main priorities for Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah this offseason has been reinforcing the offensive line, which has been an area of inconsistency over the past few seasons. In an effort to fortify the center position, the Vikings recently signed veteran Ryan Kelly, who had been a fixture on the Indianapolis Colts’ offensive line for the past eight seasons. Kelly, a first-round selection in the 2016 NFL Draft, brings significant experience and leadership to the unit. Despite missing time due to injuries last season, he made 10 starts for the Colts and has been a reliable presence at center throughout his career. His arrival in Minnesota effectively spelled the end of Bradbury’s time with the team, as the Vikings shifted their focus to a new leader at the heart of their offensive line.
The team also made another key addition by signing guard Will Fries, a former teammate of Kelly’s in Indianapolis. Fries, who has played in 31 games over four seasons, started five games last year before being sidelined. Despite his limited action in 2023, he has established himself as a versatile and capable interior lineman, and his presence on the roster made Ingram expendable. With Kelly and Fries now in the fold, the Vikings appear to be prioritizing experience and durability in their offensive line rebuild.
Garrett Bradbury has been a mainstay on Minnesota’s offensive line since being drafted in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft. Over his six seasons with the Vikings, he started 88 games, providing stability at the center position. However, his performance has been inconsistent at times, and with Kelly stepping in as a proven veteran, the team felt it was time to move in a different direction.
Ed Ingram, on the other hand, was drafted in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft and quickly became a starter on the right side of the line. Over the course of three seasons, he made 41 starts, including nine last year, while appearing in 15 games. Although he showed promise in his early years with the team, the Vikings’ decision to part ways with him indicates they are looking for a more dependable presence in the guard position.
With these recent moves, the Vikings are making a clear effort to strengthen their offensive line heading into the 2025 season. The success of their offensive unit will largely depend on the protection provided by this group, especially as the team looks to maximize the potential of their quarterback and improve their overall offensive efficiency. As free agency continues, there could be further adjustments to the offensive line, either through additional signings or upcoming selections in the NFL Draft.
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