The Chicago Bears moved swiftly to address a critical need on the offensive line Friday, acquiring veteran center Garrett Bradbury from the Fresh England Patriots. The trade comes just days after the surprising retirement of Drew Dalman, leaving a void in the middle of the Bears’ front five.
The Bears sent a 2027 fifth-round draft pick to the Patriots in exchange for Bradbury, according to reports from NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. NFL.com confirmed the deal, which cannot be officially finalized until the start of the new league year on Wednesday.
Bradbury, a former first-round pick by the Minnesota Vikings in 2019, brings a wealth of experience to Chicago. He spent six seasons with the Vikings before joining the Patriots in 2025. Over the past two seasons, Bradbury has started all 21 games for New England, including their run to Super Bowl LX, demonstrating his durability and reliability. He currently has one season remaining on his contract, with a salary of $3.7 million, as reported by NFL.com.
Filling a Sudden Void
Dalman’s unexpected retirement earlier this week created an immediate need at center for the Bears. The team wasted little time in finding a replacement, working out a trade on the same day Dalman was placed on the reserve/retired list. Bradbury provides a veteran presence and a proven starter at a crucial position, particularly as the Bears look to build around quarterback Caleb Williams entering his third season.
The acquisition of Bradbury allows the Bears to avoid a significant disruption to their offensive line plans. Sports Illustrated noted that Bradbury’s experience will be valuable as Williams continues to develop under coach Ben Johnson. Bradbury’s ability to handle pre-snap duties mirrors Dalman’s skillset, providing continuity for the offense.
Impact on the Patriots and Bears’ Offensive Lines
For the Patriots, the trade of Bradbury opens the door for Jared Wilson to transition from left guard to center, a position he played during his time at Georgia. The Bears, meanwhile, add a player who has started 105 career games. Heavy.com highlighted Bradbury’s durability, noting he hasn’t missed a start in the last two seasons.
While Bradbury’s Pro Football Focus grade of 59.8 in 2025 was the second-lowest of his career, his consistent availability and experience are seen as valuable assets for the Bears. The team prioritized reliability at the center position, especially given the unexpected nature of Dalman’s departure. CBS Sports noted that Bradbury spent one year in New England.
What’s Next for the Bears
The addition of Bradbury is the first significant move for the Bears as they prepare for the 2026 season. General manager Ryan Poles will now focus on addressing other needs along the offensive line and throughout the roster during free agency and the upcoming NFL Draft. The team will look to build on the foundation established last season and continue to support the development of quarterback Caleb Williams.
The Bears’ quick response to Dalman’s retirement demonstrates their commitment to building a competitive team. Bradbury’s arrival provides stability at a key position and allows the offense to maintain continuity as they head into a crucial season.
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