Ted

Karras

Karras was entering the final year of a three-year deal he signed back in 2022, but has now been extended through the 2025 season. The veteran center has appeared in 33 of a possible 34 regular season games since signing with the team, and earned a PFF blocking grade of 67.4 last season, which ranked 15th amongst centers (min. 300 snaps).

Karras, 29 tomorrow, can play either guard or center but figures to slide in at left guard for the Bengals, who are making it a point to upgrade their offensive line early in free agency. Along with Karras, the Bengals also inked ex-Bucs RG Alex Cappa to a multi-year deal Monday. Karras appeared in all 17 games for the Patriots last season, starting 13, and graded out as Pro Football Focus’ No. 21 guard out of 137 qualifiers.

Karras signed this exact contract a year ago when he left New England for Miami. He projects to start at center with David Andrews hitting free agency, but he has experience at both guard spots and would be an excellent sixth lineman if the Patriots can find another upgrade. For now, the Patriots have a stellar offensive line and project to be one of the best ground attacks in 2021. Bill Belichick wants to get bigger on offense as the rest of the NFL gets smaller on defense.

After coming over from New England on a one-year contract last offseason, Karras started all 16 games for Miami and was a veteran leader up front for an improved offensive line. Turning 28 next month, Karras made just $3 million last year and is a solid starting pivot. Karras shouldn’t command much more than $3-5 million per year.

This was a rumored destination throughout the offseason. The former sixth-round pick started a career-high 15 games for the Patriots in 2019 after starting C David Andrews missed the entire season due to blood clots. Karras played well enough in Andrews’ absence, earning PFF’s No. 21 highest grade among 39 qualified players. Pretty much any addition is an upgrade to the Dolphins’ pitiful offensive line.

Karras, 27, started 15 games at center for the Patriots last season after presumed starter David Andrews missed the season with a pulmonary embolism. Andrews is expected back for 2020, and Karras is looking to cash in in a fluid offensive line market. The Dolphins have needs all over their line, even after signing LG Ereck Flowers to a three-year deal Monday.

Karras started 15 games filling in for David Andrews last year — grading as a top-20 center at PFF. With Andrews healthy, the Patriots are expected to let Karras walk this offseason. Signing with a team like the Dolphins would give Karras his best chance to remain a starter.

Karras has performed poorly in place of David Andrews (IR, blood clots) this season, but it is still a concern heading into this weekend’s showdown with the Chiefs. James Ferentz will try to hold down the fort.

Karras was injured in Sunday night’s loss to Houston. Monday’s MRI should confirm the diagnosis. Per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Patriots believe Karras’ injury is “something he can return from.” With starting center David Andrews (blood clots) already lost to injured reserve, the Patriots could be down to third-stringer James Ferentz against the Chiefs in Week 14. It’s another blow to New England’s increasingly stagnant offense.

He’ll miss the remainder of 2019 after being hospitalized with blood clots in his lungs last week. With Andrews shelved, Ted Karras will take over as the Patriots’ starting center.