Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams has responded to the team’s recent trade for Garrett Bradbury, who is set to fill the center position left vacant by Drew Dalman‘s unexpected retirement. The trade, completed on Friday, involved the Bears acquiring Bradbury from the New England Patriots as the team looks to strengthen its roster ahead of the upcoming NFL season.
Head coach Ben Johnson and General Manager Ryan Poles orchestrated the deal to address the critical need following Dalman’s departure. Williams shared his enthusiasm for the move on Instagram, posting a clip of Poles with the caption: “Chef back in the kitchen.”
Background on Drew Dalman’s Career and Retirement Impact
Drew Dalman, who had spent the first four years of his NFL career with the Atlanta Falcons, signed a three-year, $42 million contract with the Bears last March. He played an essential role alongside Caleb Williams during the Bears’ playoff run under Ben Johnson’s first season as head coach. Despite reaching the divisional round, the Bears fell to the Los Angeles Rams. Dalman’s sudden retirement at age 27 on Wednesday created an urgent void in the team’s offensive line, prompting the search for Bradbury as his replacement.
Garrett Bradbury’s Journey and Role with the Bears
Garrett Bradbury, a veteran center, spent six seasons with the Minnesota Vikings after being selected in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft. The Vikings released him last March, after which Bradbury signed a two-year deal with the Patriots worth up to $12 million. His first year with New England was notable as the team secured the AFC Championship but ultimately lost to the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl LX. The Bears now view Bradbury as the ideal candidate to fill the critical center position and support Caleb Williams on offense.
Additional Roster Moves: DJ Moore Traded to Buffalo Bills
Alongside Dalman’s retirement, the Bears recently traded wide receiver DJ Moore to the Buffalo Bills for a 2026 second-round draft pick. Caleb Williams commemorated the trade with a video montage of his touchdown connections with Moore, set to DJO’s song “End of the Beginning.” Moore had joined the Bears in 2023 after being traded by the Carolina Panthers and recorded 3,012 yards on 244 receptions, along with 20 touchdowns over 51 games with Chicago.
Moore’s departure reduces depth in the wide receiver group, leaving Luther Burden III, Rome Odunze, and Jahdae Walker among the key options. Despite this, Williams retains strong offensive weapons with tight ends Colston Loveland and Cole Kmet bolstering the lineup.
Implications for the Bears’ 2024 Season Prospects
The Bears’ acquisitions and roster changes are critical as they prepare for the 2024 NFL season with high hopes under Ben Johnson’s leadership. Filling the center role with a seasoned player like Bradbury aims to stabilize the offensive line and maintain protection for Caleb Williams. Although losing key contributors like Dalman and Moore presents challenges, the team’s strategic moves illustrate their commitment to competitiveness.
As the Bears navigate their offseason adjustments, fans and analysts will closely watch how these changes affect team chemistry and performance, especially with Williams at the helm leading a young but promising offense.
Caleb Williams latest Instagram story pic.twitter.com/E4ueDKwFVN
— Dave (@davebftv) March 7, 2026
Bears QB Caleb Williams pays tribute to WR DJ Moore in his latest Instagram story: pic.twitter.com/pw4DXk1cm4
— Bearsszn (@bearszn) March 6, 2026
