Patriots Release Longtime Center David Andrews

The New England Patriots released Andrews on Thursday, which marks an end to the a significant era of franchise history.

David Andrews (60) of the New England Patriots walks to the field during the New England Patriots OTA Offseason Workout in Foxborough, Mass., on May 29, 2024. Maddie Meyer/Getty Images

The New England Patriots released longtime center David Andrews on Thursday, signaling the end of an era in Foxborough, Massachusetts.

No starters on offense or defense remain from the last Super Bowl-winning team by the Patriots in 2018. The franchise seeks a reboot after two-straight 4–13 seasons and three coaches in three seasons. A two-decade dynasty is seven years in the past.

Andrews started off with the Patriots as an undrafted free agent out of Georgia in 2014, and he helped the team win two Super Bowls amid 121 career starts and 124 games played over the past decade.

“David Andrews’ career success is a shining example of what every NFL prospect should strive to achieve,” Patriots owner Robert Kraft said in a statement on Thursday. “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,” Kraft continued. “The importance of his leadership during his career cannot be overstated.”

Andrews served as the team captain for eight seasons, and his leadership was recognized off the field in 2020 with the Ron Burton Community Service Award. He was also named to the Patriots’ 2010 all-decade team.

“David is a true professional, and his impact on this organization will be felt for many years to come,” Kraft said. “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.”

Whether or not Andrews will play again elsewhere remains unknown as he has dealt with some injuries in recent years. Last season, he dealt with a hip injury after thigh and ankle injuries the previous two years, and sustained two concussions in 2022. Before that, he sustained shoulder and ankle injuries in 2021 and calf and hand injuries before that in 2020.

“You know, I want to play football,” Andrews told reporters on Jan. 6. “I’ve done this for a long time, 26 years, and I’d like to make it to 27 and see where it does go from there, you know, but I’m just taking it day by day. You know, that’s all I can do.”

“I got a long road. I’ve been through it all before, so I know what it’s going to take, and you know I’m going to try to do it,” Andrews added.

Andrews, who only missed two games from 2016 to 2018, missed five games in 2020 followed by another three in 2022. He played in just four games last year.

Before free agency, Andrews previously expressed interest in coming back for another season. He had a one-year contract extension of $6.5 million for the 2025 season. The Patriots saved $2.67 million with his release.

Andrews explained one motive to consider continuing his career if he does.

“I like to see my son see me play a little bit more. I think he doesn’t want me around as much. Gets in some trouble more so,” Andrew said on Jan. 6. “I want to play, and I want him to be able to experience some more because … hopefully he’ll enjoy it … and get to have some memories from it.”

“I always enjoyed watching guys like [Matthew] Slater … bringing their kids around, and, you know, obviously wasn’t able to do that as much this year. It’s not all my decision, and you know, I’m going to take it day by day,” Andrews said. “I’m here working out, rehabbing. That’s all I can do—control what I can control.”