Bears Acquired Center Garrett Bradbury From Patriots
Chicago traded a 2027 fifth-round draft pick to New England to acquire veteran center Garrett Bradbury.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Football
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The Chicago Bears acquired center Garrett Bradbury from the New England Patriots in exchange for a 2027 fifth-round draft pick. The move follows the unexpected offseason retirement of Bears center Drew Dalman.
Why it matters
The acquisition addresses a critical roster gap for the Bears, who drafted center Logan Jones in the second round of the 2026 NFL draft. With the season underway, the team sought to stabilize the interior offensive line following the departure of their former starter.
Garrett Bradbury holds a Pro Football Network impact score of 67.9 across two contests played this season. He currently ranks 31st among all NFL centers.
The players
Garrett Bradbury
He is an NFL center who was selected in the first round of the 2018 draft and most recently played for the New England Patriots.
Logan Jones
He is a young center drafted by the Chicago Bears in the second round of the 2026 NFL draft to bolster the team offensive line.
Drew Dalman
He is a former Chicago Bears center whose sudden retirement during the 2026 offseason prompted the team to seek veteran depth.
Jovaughn Gwyn
He is the starting center for the Baltimore Ravens who suffered a long-term injury during the third week of the 2026 season.
Ethan Pocic
He is a backup center for the Baltimore Ravens who is currently sidelined by a long-term injury.
The details
Garrett Bradbury, originally a 2018 first-round draft pick of the Minnesota Vikings, joins a Chicago roster currently developing rookie center Logan Jones. The trade also serves as a defensive maneuver against potential roster shifts, as the Baltimore Ravens face significant injuries to both their starting center Jovaughn Gwyn and backup Ethan Pocic.
Timeline
Garrett Bradbury was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in 2018.
Bears center Drew Dalman earned Pro Bowl honors in 2025.
Chicago selected Logan Jones in the 2026 NFL draft in April.
Baltimore Ravens center injuries were reported in September 2026.
The Bears traded a draft pick scheduled for 2027.
Season Trajectory
This move directly impacts the Bears interior offensive line depth as the team navigates the start of the 2026 season. It also keeps Chicago active in a volatile market where teams like the Baltimore Ravens are actively seeking centers to replace injured starters.
Logan Jones remains a primary candidate to assume the starting center role despite the arrival of Bradbury. The trade removes a 2027 fifth-round draft pick from the Bears future assets, impacting the team's long-term capital.
The takeaway
The Bears are prioritizing veteran insurance to stabilize their offensive line following an unexpected retirement. Readers should monitor whether the team chooses to start the experienced Bradbury or accelerate the development of rookie Logan Jones.
What happens next
The NFL trade deadline serves as the next major benchmark for potential roster moves involving Garrett Bradbury.
Further reading
For more updates on the roster, visit the Chicago Football section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Heavy.
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Should NFL teams prioritize starting talented rookies over veterans at critical positions like center?
