How the Minnesota Vikings can afford to bring back C Garrett Bradbury

Much of the offseason will be focused on WR Justin Jefferson. The Minnesota Vikings playmaker is expected to enter negotiations with the organization on a long-term extension. However, Jefferson won't be the only high-priced Vikings player looking for big money. C Garrett Bradbury had his fifth-year option declined last spring. Meaning he is an unrestricted […]

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Nov 13, 2022; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Minnesota Vikings center Garrett Bradbury (56) on the sidelines during a game against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports

Much of the offseason will be focused on WR Justin Jefferson. The Minnesota Vikings playmaker is expected to enter negotiations with the organization on a long-term extension.

However, Jefferson won't be the only high-priced Vikings player looking for big money.

C Garrett Bradbury had his fifth-year option declined last spring. Meaning he is an unrestricted free agent, following a bounce-back season.

In 809 snaps played this season, only allowing two sacks. Finishing as one of the highest graded centers, according to PFF. 

At the moment, the Vikings are $23.1 million over the cap. His projected value is just under $12 million per season. Making him the fourth-highest paid center in the league.

The Jefferson deal aside, Minnesota will need a number of moves to create cap space.

Most obvious are the contracts for WR Adam Thielen, Edge Za'Darius Smith and DB Harrison Smith.

Releasing the trio would save more than $25 million in cap space with a pre-June 1st designation. Over $40 million post June 1st. Will that be enough, however?

Restructuring QB Kirk Cousins' current deal could open as much as $19 million in cap room, but it's unlikely the Minnesota Vikings want to push that much money down the road.

However, the same move with OT Brian O'Neill opens over $10 million in cap room. $6 million from RB Dalvin Cook.

If the Minnesota Vikings are serious about keeping one of, if not their best offensive lineman, these are the most likely moves to create the cap room necessary. At the very least, yield the largest results.

Bradbury is a quality starting center and certainly worth his market value, but the Vikings will need to decide if maneuvering the cap in such a way should be done.

Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny of USA TODAY Sports