https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/article/2025-nfl-free-agency-patriots-release-longtime-center-team-captain-david-andrews-134100170.html
The New England Patriots have released long-time center David Andrews, the team announced on Thursday.
“David Andrews’ career success is a shining example of what every NFL prospect should strive to achieve,” said Patriots owner Robert Kraft in a statement. “As a rookie free agent, David earned a starting assignment at center in his NFL debut, a position he anchored for the next decade. His leadership, work ethic, and dedication to the team earned him the respect and admiration of his coaches and teammates, who elected him as an eight-time team captain. The importance of his leadership during his career cannot be overstated. David is a true professional, and his impact on this organization will be felt for many years to come. On behalf of the entire Kraft family and the New England Patriots, I want to express my deepest gratitude for his countless contributions, and we look forward to celebrating his remarkable career.”
Andrews, 32, has been with the franchise since being signed as an undrafted free agent in 2015. He was part of two of the Patriots’ Super Bowl wins and played his way onto their 2010s All-Decade Team.
[Yahoo Fantasy Bracket Mayhem is back: Enter for a shot to win up to $50K]
The eight-time captain played just four games last season as he rehabbed from shoulder surgery.
Over his nine seasons with the Patriots, Andrews started 121 out of 124 regular-season games and 10 out of 12 playoff games. (He missed the entire 2019 season after being diagnosed with a pulmonary embolism.)
Described as a “warrior,” Andrews received high praise from former Patriots head coach Bill Belichick in the past for his daily output and leadership on the team. Andrews has reciprocated the love for Belichick after the team was the only one to offer him a workout prior to the 2015 NFL Draft.
Andrews was entering the final year of a contract that was set to pay him a base salary of $4 million. In May, he signed a one-year extension that included $8 million guaranteed.
Following the 2024 season, Andrews said he did everything he could to return during the 2024 season, but surgery was the correct option for him. He told reporters he understood that he might be released in the offseason, but that he still wants to continue playing.
“If the organization decides to go in a different way, that’s their choice and I hope that’s not the case,” Andrews said. “I want to play football. I’ve done this for a long time — 26 years — and I’d like to make it 27 and see where it goes from there. I’m going to try to do it.”
https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/article/2025-nfl-free-agency-patriots-release-longtime-center-team-captain-david-andrews-134100170.html
