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Patriots Shift Jared Wilson Back to Center as Expected Starter

The move underscores a broader effort to fix last season’s pass protection.

Overview

  • Wilson, who spoke Thursday at the team facility, said he is “very excited” to return to center after New England traded Garrett Bradbury and signed Alijah Vera-Tucker to solidify guard.
  • Head coach Mike Vrabel said the staff prepared Wilson to start at center and would play “the best five,” noting Wilson practiced at both spots throughout his rookie year.
  • Wilson started every game at center for Georgia in 2024 and earned Second-Team All-SEC, then spent his Patriots rookie season at left guard learning Josh McDaniels’ complex offense, which he says will help with calls and communication in Year 2.
  • Calling it a “full-circle moment,” Wilson noted he once committed to North Carolina with Drake Maye and is now set to snap to him in New England.
  • The switch is part of a line rebuild after Maye was sacked 47 times in the 2025 regular season and took heavy postseason hits, with PFF’s Bradley Locker also projecting Wilson as a 2026 breakout.