Bears hope pivot to Garrett Bradbury at center pays off

Bradbury brings experience working with young QBs to help solidify Chicago's offensive line

Mar. 22, 2026 at 10:09am

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After center Drew Dalman's sudden retirement, the Chicago Bears traded a 2027 fifth-round pick to the New England Patriots to acquire veteran center Garrett Bradbury. Bradbury, a former first-round pick, has 105 career starts and experience working with young quarterbacks like Sam Darnold and Drake Maye. The Bears are hoping Bradbury's leadership and communication skills can help solidify their offensive line and provide stability for second-year QB Caleb Williams, who was sacked 68 times as a rookie.

Why it matters

The Bears' offensive line was a major weakness last season, contributing to Williams taking a league-high number of sacks as a rookie. Bringing in an experienced center like Bradbury, who has a track record of elevating young offenses, is a key move to help protect the team's franchise quarterback and build on their division title and playoff berth from 2025.

The details

Bradbury comes to Chicago after one season with the Patriots, where he helped an inexperienced offensive line pave the way for a top-tier offense led by QB Drake Maye. The Bears are hoping Bradbury can have a similar impact, especially with Williams transitioning to more snaps under center and increased play-action usage in his third season. Bradbury sees his role as helping shoulder the load mentally for Williams rather than adding to the young QB's plate.

  • Dalman announced his retirement on March 5, 2026.
  • The Bears traded for Bradbury three days later on March 8, 2026.

The players

Garrett Bradbury

A former first-round pick by the Minnesota Vikings, Bradbury has 105 career starts over seven NFL seasons and experience working with young quarterbacks.

Caleb Williams

The Bears' second-year starting quarterback, who was sacked a league-high 68 times as a rookie in 2025.

Drew Dalman

The Bears' starting center in 2025 who abruptly retired after one season in Chicago.

Ryan Poles

The Bears' general manager, who has had to pivot quickly to address roster needs during his tenure.

Ben Johnson

The Bears' head coach, who is working to develop Williams in his third NFL season.

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What they’re saying

“We felt like the best thing for us to do was to make that trade with a veteran center that's played with a young quarterback before, that's very good with his communication, smart, been in different systems. We feel like he can plug in and have command of that O-line.”

— Ryan Poles, Bears General Manager

“It's the same process of I want to get to know them and they want to get to know me, and if there's ways I can help them ... I think the quarterback position is so unique that there's so many people talking to them, there's so much on their plate that you don't want to be a guy that just adds to that. I kind of want to pick my spots and find ways. If I can help him in any way, then great. That's what I'm here for. But I don't want to add. I don't just want to be another voice in their head.”

— Garrett Bradbury, Bears Center

“They have their culture set, and so I'm not coming in to try and reestablish anything. I'm just trying to learn from these guys. How do you guys work? They won the division last year, they had success, won a playoff game. Like, I'm not coming in to try and change anything. I'm coming in to help. And so that starts with building these relationships and figuring out how I can help, and then it goes from there.”

— Garrett Bradbury, Bears Center

What’s next

The Bears will look to integrate Bradbury into their offensive line during the offseason program and training camp, with the goal of having him ready to be the starting center when the 2026 season begins.

The takeaway

By quickly pivoting to acquire the experienced Bradbury after Dalman's surprise retirement, the Bears have taken an important step to solidify their offensive line and provide stability for young quarterback Caleb Williams. Bradbury's track record of elevating young offenses could pay big dividends as the Bears look to build on their division title and playoff berth from last season.