March 7, 2026, 6:35 a.m. CT
The Chicago Bears acquired center Garrett Bradbury from the New England Patriots for a 2027 fifth-round pick.Bradbury is replacing Drew Dalman, who unexpectedly retired from the team this week.He is considered a consistent veteran whose strengths include run-blocking and locker room leadership.Bradbury is on an affordable contract and could serve as either a starter or a depth piece for the Bears.
The Chicago Bears are already making moves ahead of free agency next week, where they’ve found their new center in Garrett Bradbury. The Bears traded a 2027 fifth-round pick to the New England Patriots for Bradbury, who replaces Drew Dalman, who shockingly retired this week.
Bradbury started all 17 games for the Patriots last season, where he allowed zero sacks in 642 pass blocking-snaps and zero penalties, per Pro Football Focus. Bradbury is an affordable option at a big position of need along the offensive line. He’s due to make $4.7 million in 2026, which is the final season of his two-year, $9.5 million deal he signed with the Patriots last offseason.
Bradbury could serve as a stop-gap option at center, should Chicago choose to draft one, or could even serve as depth, much like Ryan Bates, if the Bears still have intentions of adding a veteran center.
We spoke to Jordy McElroy of Patriots Wire, who gave us the rundown on what we can expect from the Bears’ new center and why he could be a good fit for Chicago.
1. What kind of player are the Bears getting in Garrett Bradbury?
Jordy McElroy: You are getting a consistent veteran who is highly experienced with 105 starts. There is nothing flashy about Bradbury, and he isn’t a player I would consider a game-changer. But he is a solid contributor with plenty of good snaps still left in him at 30 years old.
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JM: Bradbury is at his best in the run-blocking department, although that didn’t always show in New England. He was better as a pass-blocker for the Patriots than we’ve seen in years from his time in Minnesota. It would be great to see that consistency from him in all areas more often, but he isn’t that kind of player.
3. Where does Bradbury struggle?
JM: Bradbury can sometimes get into trouble in pass protection, but I thought he was better than expected with New England last season.
4. What impact did Bradbury have during his time with the Patriots?
JM: He had a tremendous impact on the field and in the locker room for the Patriots. Not only was Bradbury a reliable fit along the offensive front, but he also helped serve as a mentor to some of the younger players on the roster. He was everything you’d want in a veteran.
JM: I think Bradbury will be a great fit in Chicago because of how good he was in New England. Like Maye, Caleb Wiliams is another young, emerging quarterback capable of extending plays with his legs. He had Josh McDaniels as his offensive guru in New England, and he’ll have Ben Johnson in Chicago. He’ll also be reuniting with his former NC State teammate, Joe Thuney. It’s a similar situation for Bradbury, and in my eyes, a solid fit.