Before free agency begins, the New England Patriots have been busy making moves. On Friday, the Patriots had traded starting center Garrett Bradbury to the Chicago Bears for a 2027 fifth-round pick, per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.
Bradbury signed a two-year deal with the Patriots last offseason and was the starting center for every game of the season.
It wasn't the first move the Patriots made, as it was announced that Stefon Diggs was set to be released at the beginning of the new league year. Diggs, like Bradbury, was signed last offseason and has already worn out his welcome.
With Bradbury gone, New England needs a new starting center. Fortunately for them, Jared Wilson could make the decision easy for them.
Patriots' Center Hopes Could Depend on JAred Wilson
During his time at the University of Georgia, Wilson played 921 snaps at center, with a combined snap total of 93 at each guard spot. He likely wasn't expecting to play his first NFL season at left guard, but that's what the Patriots had planned for him.
But after playing his whole rookie season as the LG1, New England could look to move him back to his natural position of center.
This would be best for Wilson, who struggled at times at left guard, finishing with an overall Pro Football Focus grade of 49.9 — 72nd of 81 OGs. Getting Wilson back to his natural position would benefit him in the long run of his career, especially after allowing 13 pressures and four sacks in the playoffs,
Ultimately, the decision is up in the air as to whether Wilson will move back to center. Should he make the switch, the Patriots go from needing a starting center to needing a starting left guard. When looking at free agency, David Edwards and Kevin Zeitler are two veteran options that the Patriots could go after to help improve the o-line.
In the playoffs, protecting quarterback Drake Maye was an issue after doing well during the regular season. Moving Wilson over to center and adding a veteran left guard will help improve the issue, opening the door for the Patriots to sign veteran additions to fill any offensive line voids.
NFL Free agency begins with the legal negotiating period on Monday. The Patriots will likely make fleshing out the O-line a priority; however, with Wilson as their potential center of the future, they might lean towards depth signings depending on how much faith they have in him.