The New England Patriots are preparing for a significant change ahead of the 2026 NFL season following the trade of offensive lineman Garrett Bradbury to the Chicago Bears for a 2027 fifth-round draft pick. This move, finalized just days before the new league year begins, not only secures additional draft assets but also frees up $4.695 million against the Patriots’ salary cap, putting the team $61.64 million under the spending limit. As a result, Jared Wilson, who spent his rookie year as New England’s starting left guard, has emerged as the early favorite to shift to the center position, aligning with his natural skill set and collegiate experience.
Wilson’s Performance and Suitability at Center
Selected by New England in the third round (No. 95 overall) of last year’s draft, Wilson faced challenges holding his ground as the interior left guard last season. He participated in 92 percent of the team’s offensive snaps and earned a 62.2 pass-blocking grade from Pro Football Focus, though his overall grade stood at 49.9. Despite inconsistency, Wilson displayed capabilities that highlight his potential as a center—a role he played with distinction at the University of Georgia, where he earned second-team All-SEC honors in 2024 and was widely regarded as the top pure center prospect in his draft class. His combine performance, including a 4.84-second 40-yard dash, showcased his athleticism and strength, traits that suggest he could excel when moved back to the middle of the line.
The Competition for the Center Role
Bradbury’s departure, however, does not guarantee Wilson the starting center job. Ben Brown, a reserve lineman who impressed during the previous season by allowing zero sacks and only two quarterback hits over more than 150 pass-blocking snaps, remains a viable candidate. Brown’s run-blocking ability earned him a two-year, $6.6 million extension last December, reflecting the team’s confidence in his skill set. While primarily viewed as a backup, Brown could step into a starting role if the Patriots decide against moving Wilson to center.
Patriots’ Options Moving Forward Into Free Agency and Draft
The Patriots face a strategic decision on whether to keep Wilson at left guard or transition him inside to center, a choice influenced by numerous possibilities still open in free agency and the 2026 NFL Draft. Patriots General Manager Joe Wolf acknowledged this uncertainty during the NFL Scouting Combine in February, emphasizing flexibility in their approach.
“I think there’s openness to everything with him,” Wolf said. “You know, [Wilson] had never played guard before. He had good moments and bad moments, but he certainly has the physical ability to play there, and he also has the intelligence and the vocal ability to play center …
“But we have several options there … so, I think those are conversations we’re still having.”
These remarks underscore the team’s cautious optimism as they evaluate how best to optimize their offensive line while planning for the seasons ahead.
The Significance of the Bradbury Trade and Wilson’s Position Shift
Trading Garrett Bradbury marks a pivotal moment for the Patriots’ offensive line, both financially and strategically. The deal not only injects future draft capital but also opens the door for Jared Wilson to return to a role that better fits his collegiate expertise and athletic strengths. Should Wilson succeed at center, the Patriots could strengthen their offensive front considerably. Nonetheless, with other candidates like Ben Brown in contention and offseason moves still pending, final decisions about the lineup will unfold in the coming months. The choices made will significantly influence the Patriots’ offensive cohesion and effectiveness heading into 2026.
