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SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 05: Garrett Bradbury #65 of the New England Patriots addresses the media prior to Super Bowl LX at the Santa Clara Marriott on February 05, 2026 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
The Chicago Bears have moved quickly to address their offensive line following the unexpected retirement of center Drew Dalman.
According to NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport, the Bears are acquiring center Garrett Bradbury in a trade with the New England Patriots.
The move comes as Chicago looks to stabilize the middle of its offensive line after Dalman’s decision suddenly created a major vacancy at one of the offense’s most important positions.
Adam Schefter also reported that Chicago will send a 2027 fifth-round pick to New England as compensation.
While the trade cannot officially be processed until the start of the new league year, the agreement gives Chicago a clear replacement at center as the team continues reshaping its roster heading into the 2026 season.
Bradbury Brings Bears Extensive Starting Experience
Bradbury arrives in Chicago with significant experience in the middle of the offensive line. Originally selected by the Minnesota Vikings with the 18th overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, he quickly established himself as the team’s starting center and held that role for seven seasons.
Across his seven-year NFL career, Bradbury has been one of the more durable players at the position. He has appeared in and started 105 regular-season games and has rarely left the lineup when healthy. During the 2025 season with the Patriots, Bradbury started all 17 regular-season games and logged more than 1,000 offensive snaps.
His performance in New England also showed strong pass protection efficiency. Bradbury allowed zero sacks and committed zero penalties during the 2025 regular season while surrendering only 20 total pressures and four quarterback hits.
Those numbers helped reinforce his reputation as a reliable veteran presence in the middle of an offensive line.
What the Move Means for Bears Free Agency Plans
The trade now clarifies Chicago’s immediate plan at center following Dalman’s retirement.
By acquiring Bradbury, the Bears secure a veteran option who can step into the starting role while the organization continues evaluating longer-term solutions at the position.
The trade could also reshape Chicago’s approach to the center market in free agency.
Earlier today, ESPN insider Dan Graziano predicted the Bears would pursue Baltimore Ravens star Tyler Linderbaum once the market opened.
Graziano projected Chicago as a potential landing spot for the three-time Pro Bowler. Linderbaum is just 25 years old and expected to command a contract averaging between $20 million and $25 million per season.
However, with Bradbury now in place, the Bears will probabaly pivot away from that plan.
The trade gives Chicago an immediate veteran starter and could allow the front office to redirect those financial resources toward other roster needs when free agency begins.
While Linderbaum remains one of the top centers expected to be available, Chicago’s aggressive move for Bradbury suggests he will be Dalman’s replacement.
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