The Chicago Bears have traded for center Garrett Bradbury from the New England Patriots to fill the void left by the sudden retirement of Pro Bowl center Drew Dalman. In exchange, the Bears sent a fifth-round pick in the 2027 draft to New England. Bradbury, a former first-round pick who has spent the past six seasons with the Vikings, started every game for the Patriots last season as they made a Super Bowl run. This move comes as the Bears continue to reshape their offensive line after several offseason changes.

By the Numbers
  • Bradbury allowed 29 pressures last season, while Dalman allowed 31.
  • The Bears traded wide receiver DJ Moore and released linebacker Tremaine Edmunds to become salary-cap compliant.
State of Play
  • The Bears look to solidify their offensive line, as they have already traded for guards Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson.
  • New England must now find a left guard to support moving rookie Jared Wilson back to center.
What's Next

The Bears will focus on integrating Bradbury into their offensive scheme while monitoring the left tackle situation, which has raised concerns. The Patriots will need to quickly address their left guard need as they continue to build around quarterback Drake Maye. Potential free agent options will be explored to ensure a solid offensive line for both teams.

Bottom Line

The trade for Bradbury could stabilize the Bears’ offensive line after Dalman’s unexpected retirement, even if Bradbury may not reach the same performance level. With key adjustments underway for both teams, focusing on offensive line improvements will be crucial for achieving success in the upcoming season.