The Chicago Bears have reached an agreement to bring in offensive lineman Garrett Bradbury from the New England Patriots, addressing the sudden vacancy at the center position following Drew Dalman’s unexpected retirement. The transaction will officially take place once the new NFL league year begins next Wednesday, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
Sources including ESPN’s Adam Schefter report that the Bears will part with a 2027 fifth-round draft pick to complete the deal with New England. Bradbury, a 30-year-old veteran, is entering his eighth NFL season and most recently started all 17 games last year for the Patriots.
Garrett Bradbury’s NFL Journey Prior to Chicago
Before his single season in New England, Bradbury spent six years with the Minnesota Vikings, who selected him 18th overall in the 2019 NFL Draft. His experience and consistent presence on the line present a valuable addition as Chicago looks to fill the critical role left open by Dalman.
Impact of Drew Dalman’s Sudden Retirement on the Bears
Drew Dalman, a 2025 Pro Bowler who signed a three-year, $42 million contract with Chicago ahead of last season, announced his retirement unexpectedly at just 27 years old. Dalman had played five NFL seasons and started every snap for the Bears last year with no reported health issues, making his decision all the more surprising.
There was some rumblings about this at the NFL Combine,
said ESPN Bears reporter Courtney Cronin on NFL Live.
He played every single snap last year and no health issues to speak of… but Drew has seen the effects that an NFL career can have on someone.
Courtney Cronin, ESPN Bears reporter
Observers have drawn parallels between Dalman’s choice and that of his father, former offensive lineman Chris Dalman, who retired at age 29, suggesting a reflective consideration of the long-term physical toll football exacts.
Additional Moves by Chicago Amid Offseason Changes
Along with acquiring Bradbury, the Bears recently traded for wide receiver DJ Moore and a 2026 fifth-round pick from the Buffalo Bills, sending a 2026 second-round pick in return. This transaction indicates Chicago’s intent to bolster multiple offensive positions despite uncertainty.
Furthermore, the Bears released two-time Pro Bowl linebacker Tremaine Edmunds, creating approximately $15 million in additional salary cap space, allowing for greater flexibility in forthcoming roster adjustments.
Broader Context and Future Considerations for the Bears
The sudden retirement of a young, key player like Drew Dalman, combined with strategic trades such as acquiring Garrett Bradbury and DJ Moore, and freeing cap space, signal a period of transition for Chicago. How these moves will translate on the field remains to be seen, particularly as the team navigates replacing proven talent while managing financial constraints.
Bradbury’s signing addresses an urgent need up the middle, but the Bears face a delicate balancing act as they retool their lineup to maintain competitiveness in a demanding NFL landscape.
Sources: The #Patriots are trading center Garrett Bradbury to the #Bears, giving them new center. The deal can't officially be processed until the league year begins.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 6, 2026
Comp update: Bears are trading a 2027 fifth-round pick to the Patriots for Garrett Bradbury. https://t.co/XO6Bfg1yr0
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 6, 2026
