Patriots 90-Man Roster Spotlight: Center David Andrews

Pro Football Focus gave David Andrews a grade of 71.2 for his 2023 performance. It was his lowest grade since 2020, but still a solid season. Andrews’ highest grade (83.5) came in 2017. His run-blocking graded out significantly higher than his pass-blocking last season. He allowed 30 QB pressures and six sacks. Andrews had previously never allowed more than two sacks in a season.

Contract Status

David Andrews has one year remaining on his contract with the Patriots. He accounts for $8.425 million against the salary cap this season if he makes the 53-man roster. Andrews will be an unrestricted free agent in 2025.

Center Depth Chart

David Andrews is the starting center for the New England Patriots. There is no expectation of that changing for the 2024 season. Last year New England used a fourth-round pick to draft center Jake Andrews, a possible replacement for their captain down the road. However, it is unclear if Jake Andrews was a “Bill Belichick pick” the current regime would be comfortable moving on from. This year’s rookie class has two more potential centers in fourth-round pick Layden Robinson (who played guard exclusively in college) and UDFA Charles Turner III.

Outlook for David Andrews

Andrews heads into his tenth NFL season, tying him with Joe Cardona for the longest tenure on the team. It is unclear whether Andrews will consider retirement after this coming season, return to Foxboro for more, or exit in free agency (possibly to rejoin Bill Belichick?).

Rookie Drake Maye can help bring excitement back to not only Patriots fans but his teammates as well. His new center said of Maye, “He’s got some good energy about him.”

While Drew Bledsoe recently pointed out the benefit of Maye getting to work with offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt, the chance to learn from a veteran like Andrews should also help the rookie quarterback develop. For his part, Andrews has no intentions of taking it easy on his new QB.

“I think it’s a long year for a lot of the rookies, and as a veteran, you’ve got to be tough on them. You’ve got to help them try to achieve,” said Andrews. “I believe that cause a lot of the veterans were hard on me. They pushed me a lot. That’s how you learn: Getting pushed and challenged.”

Andrews added, “I’m super excited to get to work with him.”

David Andrews is entering his tenth NFL season. The 31-year-old has been an invaluable asset to the New England Patriots, both on and off the field. If New England gives Drake Maye playing time as a rookie, Andrews needs to improve his pass protection from a year ago. Despite his incredible leadership and advice, keeping his young quarterback upright is still the most important part of his job. Fans would love to see Andrews have a big year, and then sign an extension to enable him to finish his NFL career in the same place it began.