The New England Patriots have a lot of work to do on the offensive line. After releasing their ten-year veteran center, the Patriots created another hole.
According to Mike Reiss of ESPN, the Patriots are releasing franchise pillar and eight-time team captain center David Andrews after ten years with the Patriots.
The Patriots would honor the longtime center if he decides to retire, per Reiss. A ceremony would be held to recognize Andrews’ contributions to the team over the last decade.
Andrews signed with the Patriots as an undrafted free agent in 2015. A two-time Super Bowl champion, he has played in nine of the ten seasons he’s spent in New England.
His 2024 season was cut short due to a shoulder injury, and he is still recovering from surgery. At 32, Andrews would be entering his tenth playing season and eleventh NFL season if he suits up in 2025.
New England Patriots center David Andrews (60) watches from the sideline during the first half against the Carolina Panthers.
New England Patriots center David Andrews (60) watches from the sideline during the first half against the Carolina Panthers.
Eric Canha-Imagn Images
Between his injury status and age, the Patriots would likely find a new center in the offseason. Andrews’ contract was a one-year extension for 2025 with a cap hit of $6.6 million. The release will incur a dead cap hit of $4 million and net $2.6 million in cap savings.
Andrews has been one of the Patriots’ cornerstones for a decade and was one of the last members of the 2018 Super Bowl team still in New England. Only linebacker Ja’Whaun Bentley and long-snapper Joe Cardona remain from the last Super Bowl team for the Patriots.
Andrews’ departure marks the end of an era in New England. The Patriots’ longtime center and franchise legend will be missed as the franchise heads into a new era.
