Colts C Ryan Kelly to Vikings per

I guess if you are going to bolster the IOL, you start in the center, right?

Looks like an upgrade:
Kelly missed seven games last season — largely due to in-season knee surgery — but has four Pro Bowls and a second-team All-Pro honor on his resume. The longtime Indy Quenton Nelson running mate up front made his most recent Pro Bowl as recently as 2023. Even during an injury-marred 2024, Kelly ranked 10th in pass block win rate. Pro Football Focus slotted him eighth among center regulars in ’23, when the Alabama alum played 17 games.

This signing looks set to displace Garrett Bradbury from his center post. PFF rated Bradbury 23rd and 27th since he re-signed on a three-year deal. Minnesota is bringing in a more proven blocker, and this would stand to end Bradbury’s six-season run as the Vikings’ starting center. The Vikes are likely to cut former second-round pick Ed Ingram. If Minnesota were to release Bradbury, it would save $3.6MM in cap space.

Love it big upgrade right where we needed it most.

Montana Tom wrote:
I guess if you are going to bolster the IOL, you start in the center, right? Looks like an upgrade: Kelly missed seven games last season — largely due to in-season knee surgery — but has four Pro Bowls and a second-team All-Pro honor on his resume. The longtime Indy Quenton Nelson running mate up front made his most recent Pro Bowl as recently as 2023. Even during an injury-marred 2024, Kelly ranked 10th in pass block win rate. Pro Football Focus slotted him eighth among center regulars in ’23, when the Alabama alum played 17 games.

This signing looks set to displace Garrett Bradbury from his center post. PFF rated Bradbury 23rd and 27th since he re-signed on a three-year deal. Minnesota is bringing in a more proven blocker, and this would stand to end Bradbury’s six-season run as the Vikings’ starting center. The Vikes are likely to cut former second-round pick Ed Ingram. If Minnesota were to release Bradbury, it would save $3.6MM in cap space.

That's been my thinking lately too. Bradbury wasn't our greatest weakness on the line, but if you're going to upgrade the IOL it's probably best to pull it out from the root and go from there. 

Kelly makes sense on a lot of levels. Sure, you wish he were 26, but if he were, he'd cost twice that much. If the Vikings really do like Jurgens (no idea), then you just need someone who can play a couple years. Kelly's age and experience is going to be very helpful to a young QB.