One of the final connections of the Belichick-Tom Brady dynasty is leaving New England.
Thursday's Patriots released eight-time captain David Andrews, who won two Super Bowls with the team.
Andrews has been with the team since 2015 and was tied up with Long Snapper Joe Cardona for his long player title. According to ESPN.
“David Andrews' success in his career is a shining example of what every NFL prospect should strive to achieve.” Patriot owner Robert Craft said in a statement. “His leadership, work ethic and dedication to the team have earned him the respect and admiration of his coaches and teammates. He has selected him as the eight-time team captain. The importance of his leadership in his career cannot be overstated.”
The Patriots entered their new era under Mike Vrabel, and Andrews represented the last outstanding player of the Brady Belichick era.
The 32-year-old Andrews won the Super Bowles in 2015 and 2017, and although he didn't play in 2019, he spent 10 years in the franchise.
He began his rookie season 11 games towards a championship victory over the Seahawks and began 121 games out of 124 games during his career.
Andrews appeared only in four games of this past season after undergoing season-ending shoulder surgery, with ESPN showing that he may have played his final in the NFL.
“I did everything I could try to play [in 2024]and that didn't work,” Andrews said after the season was over. “I have to make tough decisions knowing that the surgery might not work, and that could lead to more problems, but thankfully it worked.
“Look, I know this is a tough business. Organizations may be coming to me and saying it's time to move on. I might go into OTAs or training camps, but I know I can't do that. If the organization decides to go differently, it's their choice and I hope it isn't. I want to play football. I'd like to do this for a long time – 26 years – make it 27 and see where it goes from there. I'm going to do that.”
Andrews signed a one-year $6.5 million extension throughout the 2025 season last May, saving the Patriots $2.7 million against CAP by moving from the veteran.
“David is a true expert and his impact on this organization will be felt for years to come,” Kraft continued. “On behalf of the entire Crafts family and the Patriots of New England, I would like to express my deep gratitude for his countless contributions and look forward to celebrating his incredible career.”
