Earlier this week, the Chicago Bears were shocked by the sudden retirement of their starting center, Drew Dalman. Last off-season, the Bears had signed Dalman to a three-year $42 million deal. The hope, of course, was that he would solidify a woeful offensive line and protect their franchise quarterback, Caleb Williams.
Dalman certainly did that, making his first career Pro Bowl in 2025. However, at just 27 years old, he is stepping away from the NFL over long-term health concerns. The decision may have saved Chicago millions in salary cap space, but it also left them in dire need of a new starting center.
And now they have one.
The Chicago Bears will replace Drew Dalman with Garrett Bradbury from the New England Patriots
Chicago Bears, Drew Dalman, Garrett Bradbury, New England Patriots, NFL trade
Feb 8, 2026; Santa Clara, CA, USA; New England Patriots center Garrett Bradbury (65) helps up quarterback Drake Maye (10) against the Seattle Seahawks during Super Bowl LX at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
After Dalman retired, the Bears hosted Tyler Biadasz, who had just been released by the Washington Commenders, on a visit. He, however, ended up signing with Los Angeles Chargers.
With Baltimore Ravens impending free agent center Tyler Linderbaumn likely going to command the richest contract in NFL history for a player at his position, Chicago decided to go a more affordable route:
Trade! The Chicago Bears are trading for Patriots center Garrett Bradbury, per sources. New England receives a fifth-round pick in return.
Chicago, who lost Drew Dalman to retirement earlier this week, picks up a veteran with NFC North experience. pic.twitter.com/9Xbl2cEZJF
— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) March 6, 2026
The Bears sent a fifth-round pick to the New England Patriots for their starting center, Garrett Bradbury. This, of course, solves Chicago’s sudden hole at the center position and allows them to allocate more money to other needs. Last March, Bradbury signed a two-year deal with the Patriots worth up to $12 million.
This is a positive addition for the Bears, too, who are hoping to compete for a Super Bowl this upcoming season. Bradbury gained some Super Bowl experience this past year as New England represented the AFC, but lost to the Seattle Seahawks.
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