Garrett Bradbury (center) played 98 percent of New England’s offensive snaps last season.
Garrett Bradbury (center) played 98 percent of New England’s offensive snaps last season.Danielle Parhizkaran/Globe Staff
The Patriots are trading center Garrett Bradbury to the Bears in exchange for a 2027 fifth-round draft pick, a league source confirmed Friday.
The 30-year-old Bradbury, who played 98 percent of New England’s offensive snaps last season, had one year remaining on his contract. The trade creates $1.2 million in dead money and opens $5.7 million in salary cap space.
When 27-year-old center Drew Dalman unexpectedly announced his retirement from football on Tuesday, the Bears had to quickly pivot on their plans for the offensive line — prompting the agreed-upon deal with the Patriots.
The move opens up the door for rookie left guard Jared Wilson to shift to center, the position where he has the most experience. Wilson took snaps at both spots during training camp last year, but ultimately started 13 games at left guard.
Executive vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf indicated after last year’s draft, when the Patriots selected Wilson with the 95th pick, that he thought center would be his best fit. All signs pointed to Wilson eventually playing center as soon as the coming season.
If and when Wilson moves to center, the Patriots have Ben Brown under contract as a potential replacement. They likely will pursue a starting caliber left guard when free agency opens. Isaac Seumalo and Zion Johnson would be the two top options, likely costing an average annual value close to $10 million, while Dylan Parham would be a cheaper, yet still experienced, option.
Bradbury is the latest veteran the Patriots have decided to move on from, joining recently released wide receiver Stefon Diggs and running back Antonio Gibson. Bradbury held an important leadership role within the offensive line, bringing the room together via weekly dinners as well as a fine system.
But, as coach Mike Vrabel said following Super Bowl LX, the team is always looking for “better, younger, [and] cheaper” players.
Nicole Yang can be reached at nicole.yang@globe.com. Follow her on X @nicolecyang.