It’s a busy time for the Chicago Bears as they gear up for free agency. Recently, they struck a deal to trade a fifth-round pick in 2027 to the New England Patriots for center Garrett Bradbury. This trade will kick in once the new league year starts next Wednesday.
Just days after Drew Dalman’s unexpected retirement, the Bears found a solution without spending too much. Bradbury, who was a first-round pick in 2019, has spent six seasons with the Minnesota Vikings before signing a two-year deal with New England worth up to $12 million last March. The Bears will pay Bradbury $4.7 million in the final year of his contract.
Bradbury started all 17 games and played in all four playoff games last season, bringing much-needed experience to Chicago’s offensive line. That line is in flux, with a significant portion of starters gone due to Dalman’s retirement and left tackle Ozzy Trapilo recovering from a knee injury.
Over his career, Bradbury has made 105 starts, offering stability at a critical position. The Bears had to adapt quickly as they lost about 40% of their starters, including linebacker Tremaine Edmunds, who was released this week along with the trade of wide receiver DJ Moore to the Buffalo Bills. These moves created an impressive $44 million in cap space for Chicago since Tuesday.
Bradbury’s best performances came with Minnesota, where he thrived in an offense that relied on play-action and quick misdirection. Under Bears coach Ben Johnson, Chicago has been successful as well. They went under center 49% of the time last season—one of the highest rates in the league—and ran play-action on 32% of their dropbacks, achieving a notable explosive play rate of 15.0%.
As for New England, they’re eyeing Wilson, a third-round pick in 2025, as Bradbury’s replacement. Wilson previously played center at the University of Georgia before shifting to left guard, showcasing his flexibility on the line.
This strategic maneuvering reflects a broader trend in the NFL where teams are increasingly seeking young talent and depth while managing salary caps wisely. Coaches like Johnson are focusing on innovative offensive strategies to gain an edge in a competitive environment.
The Chicago Bears are looking to make significant improvements as they prepare for the upcoming season. With new players and fresh strategies, fans can expect an exciting year ahead.
