Following the unexpected retirement of center Drew Dalman, the Chicago Bears acted swiftly to fill the vacancy by agreeing to trade for Garrett Bradbury from the New England Patriots. The deal, confirmed by sources to the Sun-Times on Friday night, will send a fifth-round pick in the 2027 draft to New England, with the official announcement expected once the new league year begins on Wednesday.
Bradbury Brings Experience and Familiar Connections
Garrett Bradbury started all 17 games last season for the AFC champions after spending his first six NFL seasons as the Minnesota Vikings’ starting center. At 31 years old, Bradbury is entering the second year of a two-year, $9.6 million contract with the Patriots, carrying a $5.7 million cap hit for 2024. His experience includes working with Patriots quarterback Drake Maye, who achieved a remarkable breakout season leading New England to the Super Bowl.
Bradbury’s relationship with Bears left guard Joe Thuney, his former NC State teammate, is expected to offer chemistry up front and ease his transition into the Bears’ offense. His relatively smaller size and agility fit well with offensive coordinator Ben Johnson’s system, mirroring traits of the recently retired Dalman.
Trade Cost and Salary Impact Support Bears’ Roster Flexibility
The Bears acquired Bradbury at a reasonable cost compared to other centers on the market. The Ravens’ Tyler Linderbaum, for example, is expected to command a significantly larger free-agent contract, reportedly in the range of $70 million over four years. By trading only a future fifth-round pick and carrying a moderate cap hit, the Bears preserve financial flexibility.
Dalman’s retirement, combined with other roster moves including trading wide receiver DJ Moore and releasing linebacker Tremaine Edmunds, has freed approximately $44 million in salary cap space. This breathing room allows Chicago to address other critical areas such as defensive line, linebacker, and potentially re-signing Pro Bowl safety Kevin Byard in the near term.
What This Means for the Bears’ Future on the Offensive Line
While acquiring Garrett Bradbury addresses the immediate need at center, the Bears may still explore options in the upcoming draft, where top centers tend to be selected in the third or fourth rounds. Bradbury’s addition strengthens the interior line with a proven starter, complementing the team’s broader strategy of building depth and versatility across key positions.
