After the Patriots’ spending spree early in free agency, one of the few holes left on the roster was at the center position. That spot was filled early Wednesday afternoon, when the team signed center Ted Karras.
The deal, which was first reported by Jeff Howe of The Athletic, sees Karras return to New England where he spent the first four seasons of his career. A sixth-round pick in 2016, he primarily served as David Andrews’ backup during his first stint in Foxborough, before starting 15 games in 2019 when a health condition cost Andrews the season. He went on to sign with the Miami Dolphins the following spring, and started all 16 games for them in 2020.
Upon his return, Karras will once again be replacing David Andrews. After reports Tuesday night indicated Andrews would test the open market, NESN’s Doug Kyed tweeted that Andrews is not expected to return to the team, and Karras is the team’s new center.
How long Karras will remain the center now becomes the question. According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, his new contract with the Patriots is a one-year deal, worth $4 million. That seems to set him up as a bridge to the next long-term center, whoever it may be.
That seems to be the calculated move by the Patriots, with this year’s draft strong at the center position. Alabama’s Landon Dickerson, Oklahoma’s Creed Humphrey, and Wisconsin-Whitewater’s Quinn Meinerz are some of the names who could be available on Day 2 with high-impact starter upside.
Karras’ signing represents the second reunion this offseason between the Patriots and one of their former offensive linemen. Last week the team acquired Trent Brown, who was with the team in 2018, in a trade with the Las Vegas Raiders.
MORE: Patriots Free Agency Tracker
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Alex Barth is a writer and digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Thoughts? Comments? Questions? Looking for a podcast guest? Let him know on Twitter @RealAlexBarth or via email at abarth@985TheSportsHub.com.
