Grading C Ted Karras’ deal with the New England Patriots: B-

Bill Belichick continues to remake the roster as free agency rolls on, and the latest move in Foxborough brings center Ted Karras back to the organization after a season spent with the Miami Dolphins. That move comes in the wake of the team trading for tackle Trent Brown prior to the start of the legal tampering period, and seeing guard Joe Thuney join the Kansas City Chiefs in free agency.

Jeff Howe of The Athletic was the first with the news, and Tom Pelissero added the terms minutes later. Karras gets a one-year deal worth $4 million to come back to the Patriots.

The grade here is a nod to the move that is probably next: David Andrews, the Patriots’ current starting center, signing with a new team. Andrews is entering free agency himself and after Corey Linsley was probably the best option available on the market. The Green Bay Packers might even try and sign Andrews to replace Linsley, who is now with the Los Angeles Chargers.

So this move represents a slight downgrade for the Patriots, as Andrews was a core component of their offensive line both in the 2018-2019 season when the team won Super Bowl LIII, and last year in his return to the starting lineup. Andrews did miss the 2019-2020 season with blood clots in his lungs. Karras took over in Andrews’ place for that season, playing over 1,000 snaps at the center spot, and he allowed two sacks, 11 quarterback hurries and 14 QB pressures. Karras was the Dolphins’ starter last year, and he allowed a pair of sacks and 11 pressures.

So this gives the Patriots a replacement for the expected Andrews departure, and also frees up perhaps some cap space given that New England will not be paying more for Andrews. So there is that. Now New England is probably looking at an offensive line of:

LT: Isaiah Wynn

LG: Michael Onwenu

C: Ted Karras

RG: Shaq Mason

RT: Trent Brown

In all, not a bad group for their new-look offense.