The Chicago Bears are wasting no time addressing a sudden and critical vacancy on their roster. Following the shock retirement of starting center Drew Dalman earlier this week, Chicago general manager Ryan Poles has struck a deal to bring in veteran experience. The Chicago Bears trade for Garrett Bradbury sends a 2027 fifth-round draft pick to the New England Patriots in exchange for the veteran center, according to league sources.
Filling a Critical Void in Chicago
The move comes at a pivotal moment for the Bears, who were left reeling after Drew Dalman announced his retirement on March 4 at the age of 27. Dalman had been a cornerstone of a revitalized offensive line that helped quarterback Caleb Williams take a massive leap in his second professional season. In 2024, Williams was sacked a league-high 68 times, but that number plummeted to just 24 in 2025 thanks largely to the interior stability provided by Dalman, Joe Thuney, and Jonah Jackson.
With Dalman gone and versatile lineman Ozzy Trapilo expected to miss the majority of the 2026 season due to a patellar tendon injury, the Bears were facing a crisis at the pivot point. By executing the Chicago Bears trade for Garrett Bradbury, the front office has secured a proven starter who can immediately step in and maintain the chemistry of the unit. Bradbury brings over 100 games of starting experience to a team that is firmly in its championship window.
The Veteran Pedigree of Garrett Bradbury
Garrett Bradbury, 30, enters his eighth NFL season with a resume built on consistency and high-level pass protection. Originally selected by the Minnesota Vikings with the 18th overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, Bradbury spent six seasons in the NFC North before joining the Patriots last offseason. During his lone season in New England, he started all 21 games—including the Patriots' appearance in Super Bowl LX—and was widely praised for his leadership and football IQ.
Standing 6-foot-3 and weighing 300 pounds, Bradbury was a standout at NC State, where he won the Rimington Trophy as the nation's best center. While he has faced criticisms at times for his anchor in the run game, his ability to diagnose blitzes and communicate protection shifts made him a favorite of young quarterbacks. In Chicago, he will be tasked with being the "on-field general" for Caleb Williams as the Bears look to build on their 2025 playoff run.
Why the New England Patriots Moved On
From the Patriots' perspective, the trade represents a shift in their offensive line philosophy under head coach Mike Vrabel. While Bradbury was a reliable starter during their Super Bowl run, the team has been vocal about wanting to move Jared Wilson to his natural position at center. Wilson, a younger and more cost-effective option, spent much of the 2025 season playing guard but was widely considered the future of the Patriots' interior line.
By moving Bradbury, the Patriots free up significant cap space—approximately $5.7 million in savings—while recouping draft capital. New England is reportedly looking to get younger and more athletic on the left side of their line to better protect Drake Maye. The 2027 fifth-round pick adds to a growing chest of assets for a Patriots team that remains aggressive in the trade market.
Impact on the 2026 Bears Offense Under Ben Johnson
The Chicago Bears trade for Garrett Bradbury ensures that the team’s offensive identity remains intact under head coach Ben Johnson. Since taking the helm in Chicago, Johnson has implemented a sophisticated, multi-faceted offensive system that relies heavily on the center's ability to pull and reach the second level in the run game. Bradbury’s lateral agility has always been his greatest strength, making him a seamless fit for the creative blocking schemes Johnson is known for.
With Mike McDaniel serving as the offensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Chargers, Johnson has taken a primary role in crafting the Bears' attack. The acquisition of Bradbury allows the Bears to maintain their offensive continuity without forcing a rookie or a less experienced backup into a high-pressure role. This stability is essential for Caleb Williams, who thrives when he has a veteran presence capable of handling the complex pre-snap adjustments required in Johnson’s playbook.
Moreover, the acquisition allows the Bears to focus their remaining offseason resources on the defensive line and the left tackle position. With the interior now solidified, Ryan Poles can turn his attention to finding a temporary solution for the injured Trapilo and potentially adding an elite edge rusher to complement Montez Sweat.
Key Trade Details:
- Bears Receive: C Garrett Bradbury
- Patriots Receive: 2027 Fifth-Round Pick
- Bradbury's 2026 Cap Hit: Approximately $6.9 million
- Career Starts: 105
As the NFL legal tampering period approaches, the Bears have checked off their most urgent box. Protecting Caleb Williams remains the franchise's top priority, and in Garrett Bradbury, they have found a veteran who knows exactly what it takes to navigate the rigors of an NFL season and a deep postseason run.
Sources & Original Reporting
