The Chicago Bears acquired Garrett Bradbury from the New England Patriots in exchange for a 2027 fifth-round pick following Drew Dalman’s abrupt retirement. The former first-round pick was brought in to stabilize the position for a unit with limited experience at center, having started 105 regular-season and eight playoff games over seven seasons. With the Bears selecting Logan Jones in the second round of the 2026 NFL Draft, there has been trade chatter circulating around Bradbury, especially if Jones proves ready and makes an immediate impact as a rookie.
Chicago Bears rework the contract of offseason acquisition
Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles
Aug 17, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles plays catch on the sideline before the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Bartel-USA TODAY Sports
According to Spotrac, the Bears have signed Garrett Bradbury to a one-year, $4.7 million renegotiated contract that includes $3.7 million guaranteed after converting $1 million of his incentives into additional guarantees. As a result, he will earn a $3.7 million base salary, a per-game active bonus totaling $850,000, a $150,000 workout bonus, and $4.7 million in cash. Bradbury’s contract will still expire at the end of the year and will hit free agency next offseason.
C Garrett Bradbury signed a renegotiated contract with the #Bears that converted $1M of incentives into guaranteed salary.
The 30-year-old is now due $4.7M in 2026, with $3.7M guaranteed.
— Spotrac (@spotrac) May 7, 2026
What does this mean?
NFL Trade, Chicago Bears, Garrett Bradbury, New England Patriots, Drew Dalman
Feb 8, 2026; Santa Clara, CA, USA;General view down the line of scrimmage as New England Patriots center Garrett Bradbury (65) prepares to snap the ball against the Seattle Seahawks during Super Bowl LX at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Signing Garrett Bradbury to a renegotiated contract with additional guarantees suggests the Bears are unlikely to trade him during the offseason or the regular season unless they receive an offer they cannot refuse. Therefore, he is expected to start at center in 2026, with Logan Jones learning from him as a backup. Bradbury is likely to depart in free agency next offseason, with Jones projected to take over as the starting center in 2027.