In a rapid response to the unexpected retirement of Pro Bowl center Drew Dalman, the Chicago Bears have secured Garrett Bradbury from the New England Patriots in exchange for a 2027 fifth-round draft pick, according to CBS Sports NFL insider Jonathan Jones. The move aims to fill the vital center position and maintain the momentum the Bears have built under head coach Ben Johnson.
Background on Garrett Bradbury’s Career and Recent Seasons
Garrett Bradbury, 30, began his NFL journey as a first-round draft pick in 2019, spending his initial six seasons with the Minnesota Vikings. Last offseason, Bradbury joined the Patriots amid their heavy offseason spending. Demonstrating reliability, he started all 17 games during the 2025 season, helping New England transform from a struggling team to AFC champions under Mike Vrabel. Their campaign concluded with a Super Bowl 60 loss to the Seattle Seahawks.
The Bears themselves have experienced a positive rise, particularly in their offensive line, a key factor in their improvement this season. The team acquired guards Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson and signed Dalman to anchor the center spot with a three-year, $42 million contract. However, Dalman’s sudden retirement after just one year left a significant void.
The Bears’ Current Roster Moves and Salary Cap Challenges
The Bears have been active this offseason, releasing linebacker Tremaine Edmunds and trading wide receiver DJ Moore to the Buffalo Bills, moves partly aimed at becoming compliant with the salary cap restrictions. Filling the unexpected gap left by Dalman’s early retirement is now a pressing concern, especially with questions looming over the offensive line’s stability due to injuries and free agency.
Assessing the Impact of Bradbury Joining Chicago
Chicago’s parent organization graded their acquisition as a B-. The Bears faced a challenging situation with Dalman’s retirement, particularly due to limited salary cap flexibility and other offensive line concerns. The left tackle spot in particular remains uncertain, with Braxton Jones a free agent and Ozzy Trapilo sidelined for much of 2026 due to a torn patellar tendon.
Bradbury’s arrival brings experience but carries tempered expectations. While he fills the center role, he is unlikely to match Dalman’s elite performance level; Dalman was ranked seventh among centers by Pro Football Focus last year, whereas Bradbury was positioned 29th. Both players allowed comparable pressure numbers last season—29 for Bradbury and 31 for Dalman—but Bradbury’s run-blocking remains less effective.
Nonetheless, head coach Ben Johnson’s history of elevating offensive linemen’s play offers hope. Known for maximizing linemen’s potential through strategic play design and robust protection schemes, Johnson’s system could enhance Bradbury’s performance. Furthermore, Bradbury will be integrated beside at least three above-average starters, including his college teammate and roommate Joe Thuney, creating a supportive environment for success.
New England Patriots’ Adjustments Following Bradbury’s Departure
The Patriots, receiving a B grade for the trade, plan to adjust their offensive line by moving rookie Jared Wilson from left guard to center, a transition supported by multiple reports. Consequently, New England will pursue a competent left guard to support Wilson’s position shift and to bolster left tackle Will Campbell, whose struggles were evident during the playoffs.
Fortunately for the Patriots, there is a robust free agent market for guards, and the team is projected to hold over $35 million in cap space. Potential targets include Bills starter David Edwards, offering options within their own division.
Bradbury’s acquisition last year on a two-year, $9.5 million deal was pivotal, stabilizing a previously shaky center spot—especially compared to the earlier struggles New England faced with Drake Maye’s rookie season. While the team’s offseason has seen setbacks, such as releasing wide receiver Stefon Diggs, the progress made under coach Mike Vrabel, GM Eliot Wolf, and quarterback Drake Maye has been remarkable. Adding a draft pick while offloading Bradbury, who enters the final year of his contract, represents a strategic move for the Patriots’ ongoing rebuild.
Looking Ahead: What This Trade Means for Both Teams
The Bears’ acquisition of Bradbury reflects an urgent need to maintain offensive line solidity, a cornerstone of their rejuvenation under Ben Johnson. While the veteran center may not reach Dalman’s peak effectiveness, the combination of experience and scheme support offers a path forward amid injury and free agency challenges.
For New England, the trade initiates a reshuffling of their offensive line with a focus on younger players and cap flexibility. The transition plans for Jared Wilson and the search for a left guard will be critical to sustaining the team’s recent success and protecting their franchise quarterback.
Both teams face uncertainties as they adapt after the trade, with consequences that will unfold through the upcoming 2026 NFL season. The Bears aim to keep their offensive line strong, while the Patriots plan to capitalize on cap space and positional versatility to strengthen their roster.
The Patriots are trading C Garrett Bradbury to the Bears, source tells @NFLonCBS. Chicago now has two NC State alums along their offensive line as Bradbury returns to the NFC North. The Bears replacing the retired Drew Dalman with Bradbury.
— Jonathan Jones (@jjones9) March 6, 2026
The Garrett Bradbury trade to Chicago reunites him with his college teammate at NC State in Joe Thuney.
They were roommates when the team traveled for away games.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) March 6, 2026
With the Patriots agreeing to trade center Garrett Bradbury to the Bears for a 2027 fifth-round pick (per @AdamSchefter), it further opens the door to move Jared Wilson back to his college position at center.
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) March 6, 2026
