In a move that surprised many in the NFL, the New England Patriots are set to release a former captain who was one of the team’s longest-tenured players. This decision marks a significant shift for the franchise, as the two-time Super Bowl champion has been a cornerstone of the organization since joining as an undrafted free agent in 2015.
Revamped Patriots Release Longtime Center David Andrews
In a post on X, NFL insider Dianna Russini relayed a report from ESPN Patriots reporter Mike Reiss that the team is releasing center David Andrews.
The Patriots are releasing C David Andrews after a decade with the team that included two Super Bowl wins, per source.@MikeReiss was on it.
— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) March 13, 2025
Despite going undrafted, Andrews became the Patriots’ starting center as a rookie in 2015 and went on to start 121 of 124 regular-season games for New England.
The former Georgia Bulldog also appeared in 12 playoff games, including two Super Bowl victories — Super Bowl 51 against the Atlanta Falcons and Super Bowl 53 against the Los Angeles Rams.
Andrews was named to the Patriots’ 2010s All-Decade Team and served as a team captain eight times. His 2024 season was cut short due to a shoulder injury that required surgery, limiting him to just four games. He has been rehabilitating over the past few months and hopes to continue playing in 2025. Yet, the Patriots’ decision to release him signals a move in a different direction.
Andrews had one year remaining on his contract and was set to earn $6 million in 2025. His release will result in a $4 million dead cap hit for the Patriots.
How Andrews’ Release Impacts New England’s Offensive Line
Letting Andrews go creates a significant void on the Patriots’ offensive line, which already lacks a starting left tackle. The team has internal options at center, including Cole Strange, Lecitus Smith, and Jake Andrews. However, New England will likely explore signing a veteran center in free agency or selecting one in the 2025 NFL Draft.
If the Patriots want to get younger at the position, their free agent options are limited. Potential targets include 27-year-old Andre James, 26-year-old Nick Harris, 28-year-old Michael Dieter, and 26-year-old Trystan Colon-Castillo.
As for the draft, the options remain slim. The highest-graded center prospect is Texas Longhorns’ Jake Majors, followed by Ohio State’s Seth McLaughlin, Jacksonville State’s Clay Webb, and Boston College’s Drew Kendall.
Georgia’s Jared Wilson has the highest ranking among centers on PFSN’s list of top college draft prospects, with USC’s Jonah Monheim, Western Michigan’s Jacob Gideon, Purdue’s Gus Hartwig, and Wyoming’s Nofoafia Tulafono also ranking in the top 300.
Would the Patriots roll the dice on an undrafted gem, following the same path that led them to Andrews?
What Does the Future Hold for Andrews?
At 32 years old, Andrews is now the NFL’s oldest free agent center. The market for a veteran starting center isn’t high, with only a few teams like the Tennessee Titans, Los Angeles Rams, and Carolina Panthers potentially in the mix.
If Andrews decides not to pursue opportunities elsewhere, the Patriots are expected to hold a retirement ceremony to honor his contributions to the franchise — similar to the tribute given to Julian Edelman in 2021.
Andrews’ departure also means only two players remain from New England’s last Super Bowl-winning team in 2018: inside linebacker Ja’Whaun Bentley and long snapper Joe Cardona, who is now the team’s longest-tenured player.
Andrews’ release marks the end of an era in New England, as the franchise bids farewell to a player who embodied the team’s spirit and leadership. His future remains uncertain, but his legacy with the Patriots is cemented. Whether Andrews continues his career elsewhere or retires, his impact on New England will be remembered for years.