The Chicago Bears have recently acquired center Garrett Bradbury to replace the retired Drew Dalman, aiming to strengthen their offensive line for the upcoming season. This move brings Bradbury, a former college teammate of Joe Thuney at North Carolina State, into the fold as the Bears look to solidify their center position while managing salary cap constraints.
Bradbury’s contract for 2026 carries a cap hit of $5.7 million, which keeps the Bears financially flexible compared to Dalman’s departure. This budget-friendly addition allows the Bears to potentially invest in other key areas such as left tackle and their defensive squad.
They’re obviously going to draft a center now. Obvious that this is a move for a serviceable veteran that can help Caleb and also groom the next starting center of the future.— Michael DeBartolo (@MikeDeBartolo78) March 6, 2026
Cost-Effective Approach to Filling the Center Role
Instead of pursuing Baltimore‘s Tyler Linderbaum, who was expected to command a $20 million contract, the Bears traded a fifth-round draft pick for Bradbury, a markedly more affordable option. Chicago previously took a similar approach when they acquired Ryan Bates two years ago, though Bates struggled with injuries and played both guard and center.
Bradbury’s track record is comparatively healthier, and coming from a Super Bowl-contending team, he is seen as a more stable choice to assume the center position.
My Garrett Bradbury thoughts…Thought it was interesting @TampaBayTre said Linderbaum was plan A. If Bears are out that quickly, my guess is a large gap over the guarantee (That’s why they lost McGlinchy a few years ago).He’s a one year solution. I expect the Bears to use a… — Bill Zimmerman (@BillTZimmerman) March 7, 2026
Despite the apparent bargain, the trade should not be viewed as an unqualified success for GM Ryan Poles. It remains a cautious, budget-conscious gamble given the uncertainty around Bradbury’s performance potential.
I think Garrett Bradbury trade means one of three things1) they sense the Linderbaum/McGovern market is getting crazy and want insurance if they get outbid2) they’re about to draft a center very high3) they legit think Bradbury can start and want to spend big money elsewhere— Jeremy (@JeromeyR0me) March 7, 2026
Concerns Over Bradbury’s Pass Blocking Ability
Bradbury’s on-field performance, particularly in pass protection, raises questions about the move’s overall wisdom. According to Pro Football Focus (PFF), Bradbury has consistently ranked near the bottom among NFL centers in pass blocking. Although his 2025 season showed some improvement—helping mobile quarterback Drake Maye without allowing sacks or penalties—he still ranked only 23rd in pass-blocking grades.
During his six seasons with the Minnesota Vikings, Bradbury struggled to rise above average, often ranking in the bottom five for pass-blocking centers. He has allowed 20 sacks and committed 35 penalties, including 17 holding calls, over his professional career. While many of those penalties occurred early in his career, the overall figures remain troubling considering the importance of a center in protecting the quarterback.
Bears got there center. Garrett Bradbury from the Pats. Told Y’all they weren’t getting Linderbaum. Money is tight, y’all think they have an unlimited dollar amount. Bradbury salary for 2026 is 5.7M Was the Pats center all of 2025 — Greg Gabriel (@ggabefootball) March 6, 2026
Garrett Bradbury is 30 years old. Has a $6.9M cap hit in 2026. He was graded 60.1 by PFF 30/40 centers. Definitely not a move I expected. And not sure I love it. Curious to see how Ryan Poles spends the money saved. pic.twitter.com/MMggjmNloa — Caleb Williams Fan Club (@CalebFC18) March 6, 2026
Although PFF metrics may not be definitive, the frequency of penalties and Bradbury’s consistently middling rankings indicate he has yet to reach an elite level. The Bears’ GM faced challenges after Dalman’s retirement and appears to have made this signing out of necessity within a tight salary cap environment.
The Role of Bradbury and Future Plans at Center
Offensive coordinator Ben Johnson’s input has been critical in roster shaping recently, and the hope is that Bradbury’s experience and environment change could help him improve. The likely plan is to use Bradbury as a transitional veteran while the Bears pursue a younger center in the upcoming draft or develop internal prospects like Luke Newman.
This strategy echoes last year’s approach by the New England Patriots, who used veteran Jared Wilson as a placeholder until a younger player was ready to step in. Should Bradbury replicate his nearly penalty-free, sack-free 2025 campaign, he could provide valuable stability. However, the Bears must prepare for the possibility that he may not sustain that level of play.
One of the worst centers in the league. No clue why they would make this move unless he’s depth. #Bears https://t.co/tMWe8G652D — Aaron Leming (@AaronLemingNFL) March 6, 2026
Broader Implications for the Bears’ Offense
Bradbury’s signing arrives amid a transitional phase for the Bears’ offense, especially following the loss of wide receiver DJ Moore and other roster changes. How GM Ryan Poles allocates the salary cap savings from this trade will be critical in determining the team’s competitiveness moving forward.
With speculation that the Bears may use a high draft pick on a center or add depth strategically, this acquisition could represent prudent short-term planning rather than a long-term solution. The success of this strategy will depend heavily on Bradbury’s ability to hold the position effectively while the Bears develop younger players.
They’re obviously going to draft a center now. Obvious that this is a move for a serviceable veteran that can help Caleb and also groom the next starting center of the future.
— Michael DeBartolo (@MikeDeBartolo78) March 6, 2026
My Garrett Bradbury thoughts…
Thought it was interesting @TampaBayTre said Linderbaum was plan A. If Bears are out that quickly, my guess is a large gap over the guarantee (That's why they lost McGlinchy a few years ago).
He's a one year solution. I expect the Bears to use a… pic.twitter.com/snbxxXTIby
— Bill Zimmerman (@BillTZimmerman) March 7, 2026
I think Garrett Bradbury trade means one of three things
1) they sense the Linderbaum/McGovern market is getting crazy and want insurance if they get outbid
2) they’re about to draft a center very high
3) they legit think Bradbury can start and want to spend big money elsewhere— Jeremy (@JeromeyR0me) March 7, 2026
Bears got there center. Garrett Bradbury from the Pats. Told Y’all they weren’t getting Linderbaum. Money is tight, y’all think they have an unlimited dollar amount.
Bradbury salary for 2026 is 5.7M
Was the Pats center all of 2025— Greg Gabriel (@ggabefootball) March 6, 2026
Garrett Bradbury is 30 years old. Has a $6.9M cap hit in 2026.
He was graded 60.1 by PFF 30/40 centers.
Definitely not a move I expected. And not sure I love it. Curious to see how Ryan Poles spends the money saved. pic.twitter.com/MMggjmNloa
— Caleb Williams Fan Club (@CalebFC18) March 6, 2026
One of the worst centers in the league. No clue why they would make this move unless he’s depth. #Bears https://t.co/tMWe8G652D
— Aaron Leming (@AaronLemingNFL) March 6, 2026
