Patriots Parting Ways With Long Time Captain
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There will definitely be some changes when the Patriots take the field in 2025, and it appears one of the staples on their offensive line won’t be a part of it.
According to ESPN’s Mike Reiss, the team is reportedly parting ways with veteran David Andrews, with the club set to now make a change at center heading into next season.
Andrews appeared in just four games last season, with the veteran suffering a shoulder injury in San Francisco during the team’s 30-13 Week 4 loss to the 49ers.
With Andrews out of the line-up, it only added to what was a tumultuous year for an offensive line that was arguably the worst in the NFL in 2024. They struggled at both tackle positions all season, and up until his injury, the long-time veteran was one of the few bright spots in a group that had a difficult time finding any continuity.
While he was sidelined, the club ended up turning to Ben Brown, who New England snagged off Las Vegas’ practice squad. He went on to start every game and play every snap for 10 straight weeks, filling in admirably and being one of the few consistent players on a Patriots offensive line that was ultimately never able to fully get it together.
When Cole Strange finally was healthy enough to play, he saw time at center over the final two weeks, and the belief is that he’ll potentially be a candidate to take over, with Jake Andrews being another player who is thought to be in the mix. He’s another player coming off a torn meniscus, with the former Troy standout suffering the injury last summer during training camp.
Needless to say, things will certainly look a little different next season.
Back in January, Andrews said he had hoped he’d get another go around, admitting at the time that there was a chance the club might come to him and tell him they were making a change.
“I know this is a tough business. The organization might come to me and tell me it’s time to move on,” said Andrews via Chris Mason of MassLive. “I might get into OTAs and training camp and know I can’t do it. If the organization decides to go in a different way, that’s their choice. I hope that’s not the case. I want to play football. I’ve done this for a long 26 years. I’d like to make it to 27 and see where it goes from there.”
Unfortunately, he won’t get that opportunity. However, the 32-year-old has had an amazing career, having won two championships along with being an eight-time captain. Reiss reports that should Andrews choose not to play elsewhere, the club will likely hold a retirement ceremony for him.
Meanwhile, one of the challenges Mike Vrabel’s team will also have to deal with is the fact his loss adds another void in leadership, both on offense and in the locker room. New England also recently lost both Jonathan Jones and Deatrich Wise, with both players departing to Washington this week.
However, offense remains an area where there wasn’t much in terms of veterans as it was to set an example for some of the younger players, and today’s news only further complicates things.
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Andrews stated last fall he was very tenuous on being able to play football again. That was given the ability for doctors to surgically repair his shoulder. I believe this is the second surgery on the same rotator cuff area. The procedure incolved moving tissue from other areas in his body and hoping that can ‘take’. And then having to strength build sufficent to play in the NFL Given the team moved on, my assumption is he’ll need to retire, and all area aware. NBC Boston pondered why not give it more time in case, but if your pursuing trades… Read more »