Why Andrews was excited about Patriots return before release

Part of New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel closing the door on the franchise’s Bill Belichick era involved the club somewhat surprisingly parting ways with center and team captain David Andrews earlier in March. 

On the latest edition of his “The Quick Snap Podcast,” Andrews explained why he’s disappointed he won’t be able to once again play under Josh McDaniels, who was brought back to the organization by Vrabel to serve as offensive coordinator. 

“I was super excited for the opportunity with Josh and the new coaches and getting to know them,” Andrews said, as shared by Mark Daniels of MassLive. “But at the same time, I knew that offense really well. I’ve had a lot of success in that offense. It fits my play style well, how I like to play, what I like to do. So, I’ve had a lot of success and was excited for that reunion. I’ve had a great relationship with Josh, and, you know, was excited to see Vrabel and what he brought to the table as a football coach.”

Andrews first had McDaniels as an offensive coordinator with New England from 2015 up until the latter became head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders in January 2022. Some associated with the Patriots hoped that Andrews could help second-year quarterback Drake Maye pick up McDaniels’ terminology and “wordy offense” quickly, but Vrabel and Co. clearly had other plans. 

No reunion between Andrews and the Patriots is in the cards, as the club signed former Minnesota Vikings center Garrett Bradbury to a two-year contract. ESPN’s Mike Reiss mentioned that Bradbury is “an upgrade in New England over returning centers Ben Brown and Cole Strange.”

Andrews underwent season-ending shoulder surgery before the Patriots made Maye their first-choice starter this past fall and, thus, never had a real chance to play with the third overall pick of the 2024 NFL Draft. 

Andrews revealed during the podcast he thought he “could have the surgery and see what happens,” and he acknowledged he doesn’t “like” that he wasn’t given an opportunity to “try to get the ship in the right direction and help the organization and the community.”

For whatever reason, Vrabel saw no benefit in keeping Andrews around through at least the preseason as Maye learned a new offense for the second time in his young career. Only time will tell if Vrabel will ultimately regret that call.