The Chicago Bears have agreed to acquire center Garrett Bradbury from the New England Patriots, with sources confirming to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network that the trade took place on Friday. Although the deal will not be officially processed until the new league year begins next Wednesday, the move aims to address the Bears’ urgent need for stability at the center position following the unexpected retirement of Drew Dalman earlier in the week. Bradbury, a 30-year-old veteran who started all 17 games for the Patriots last season and helped lead the team to the Super Bowl, signed a two-year, $9.5 million deal with New England last March but struggled as a run-blocker in 2025.
Originally selected as the 18th overall pick by the Minnesota Vikings in 2019 out of North Carolina State, Bradbury will likely face competition for the starting center spot if Chicago decides to bring in additional talent in free agency. This trade arrives as a critical adjustment to the Bears’ offensive line ahead of the 2026 season.
Chicago Bears’ Key Offseason Roster Moves and Emerging Players
Colston Loveland’s Growing Role in Chicago’s Offense
Colston Loveland, Chicago’s promising tight end, has quickly become a fundamental part of the Bears’ offensive scheme after being selected 10th overall out of Michigan in the 2025 NFL Draft. Despite a slow start in his rookie year, where he recorded 11 receptions for 116 yards with no touchdowns in his first six games, Loveland exploded in Week 9 with six catches for 118 yards and two touchdowns against the Cincinnati Bengals. Over the full season, Loveland finished with 58 receptions for 713 yards and six touchdowns on 82 targets, ranking as the 12th-best tight end in half-PPR formats. His impact increased even further in the playoffs, where he caught 12 passes for 193 yards, solidifying his standing as a valuable fantasy asset and an offensive mainstay for the Bears going forward.
Luther Burden III Emerging as a Key Receiver
Wide receiver Luther Burden III capped off his rookie season as one of Chicago’s most exciting young talents. Despite limited opportunities early in the year due to a crowded receiving corps, Burden posted impressive metrics, leading all rookies in yards per route run (2.69) in 2025. His strong finish to the season, combined with the recent trade of receiver DJ Moore, positions Burden as a rising star in Chicago’s passing game. The departure of Moore, who had 80 targets, 682 yards, and six touchdowns in 2025, opens the door for Burden, along with Rome Odunze and Colston Loveland, to see expanded roles and increased production in 2026.
D’Andre Swift Maintains Role Despite Competition
Running back D’Andre Swift survived a competitive 2025 season thanks to a solid campaign under head coach Ben Johnson’s offense. Despite facing pressure from rookie Kyle Monangai, Swift led the backfield with a career-best 1,087 rushing yards and nine touchdowns, alongside 34 receptions for 299 yards and one receiving touchdown. Toward the end of the season, Swift’s snap share slightly declined below 50%, but he demonstrated consistent effectiveness, averaging 13.5 carries and 1.7 receptions per game over the final six weeks, totaling five touchdowns. While Monangai is poised for an increased role next season, Swift remains the primary backfield option for now but is viewed as a possible sell-high candidate in dynasty leagues due to upcoming competition.
Backup Quarterback Tyson Bagent Attracts Trade Interest
The Chicago Bears’ backup quarterback Tyson Bagent is generating trade interest, as outlined by several media sources including John Gambadoro of Arizona Sports and Kevin Fishbain of The Athletic. The Arizona Cardinals, potentially preparing to move on from Kyler Murray due to injury concerns, have shown particular interest in Bagent. Acquired as an undrafted free agent, the 25-year-old QB started four games during his rookie season and has appeared in 12 games through three years with Chicago, completing 99 of 149 passes for 917 yards, three touchdowns, and six interceptions.
Bagent, who signed a two-year, $10 million contract extension with the Bears in August 2025, has one remaining year on his deal. General manager Ryan Poles acknowledged multiple inquiries about Bagent at the NFL scouting combine. Despite this, reports suggest the Bears would likely require a second-round pick or equivalent compensation to consider trading him, and questions remain about Bagent’s ability to secure a starting role immediately on another team.
“second-round pick or two picks equaling that value” ?Brad Biggs, Chicago Tribune
Rome Odunze’s 2025 Season and Open Questions
Wide receiver Rome Odunze began his rookie campaign with notable promise, posting 20 receptions for 296 yards and five touchdowns on 35 targets over his first four games. However, his production declined significantly during the season, as Odunze managed just 24 catches for 265 yards and one touchdown on 55 targets over the next eight games while also missing five late-season games due to a foot injury. Although Odunze returned for the playoffs and is expected to be fully healthy for 2026, his overall fantasy outlook has cooled somewhat, especially given the fierce competition from teammates Luther Burden III, DJ Moore, and tight end Colston Loveland for target share.
Tight End Cole Kmet’s Waning Influence
Cole Kmet’s role in the Bears offense is declining as the team shifts its focus toward younger players like Colston Loveland. After several seasons where Kmet posted solid fantasy numbers, his production dipped sharply in 2025, with just 30 receptions for 347 yards and two touchdowns—the lowest totals of his career since his rookie season. Changes implemented by head coach Ben Johnson, including increased snap distribution favoring Loveland, have reduced Kmet’s playing time significantly. Currently under contract through 2027, Kmet is expected to serve as a backup or secondary tight end next season, limiting his fantasy value and likely making him a trade candidate for dynasty managers.
Impact of Recent Departures and Team Strategy for 2026
The Bears’ decision to trade receiver DJ Moore, combined with the retirement of Drew Dalman, indicates a franchise in transition, aiming to reconfigure its roster for a competitive 2026 season. Moore’s transfer to the Buffalo Bills removes a key target from the offense but creates opportunities for younger pass-catchers like Luther Burden III and Colston Loveland to step up. Simultaneously, the addition of Garrett Bradbury and the competition at center signal a focus on strengthening the offensive line, a critical element for both the passing and running games.
With promising talents such as Loveland and Burden rising, the Bears are poised to lean more heavily on their youthful core while managing contracts and veteran exits. The quarterback situation remains fluid, as Tyson Bagent’s potential trade could open the door to new developments at that position. Overall, Chicago appears committed to building a more dynamic offense while addressing key personnel needs on the offensive line and skill positions.
