The Chicago Bears are making moves to strengthen a key part of their roster. Head coach Ben Johnson recently revealed his stance on the team’s latest move involving veteran center Garrett Bradbury.
In March, the Bears finalized a deal with the New England Patriots to acquire the experienced offensive lineman. The team traded a 2027 fifth-round draft pick to the Patriots for Bradbury.
The move came after veteran center Drew Dalman unexpectedly retired at age 27. The Pro Bowl center walked away from a three-year contract after just one season with the Bears. His departure left the team without a proven leader on the offensive line for the upcoming season.
Chicago Bears’ Ben Johnson excited about new center Garrett Bradbury
Johnson recently shared his thoughts on Bradbury’s trade. The second-year coach seems very excited and confident about the Bears’ new center. Although Johnson has not had the chance to get to know the 30-year-old extensively, the Chicago shot-caller believes Bradbury’s intelligence will benefit the team.
“I only got to talk to him briefly when he came in after the trade, and yet I could tell how bright he is,” Johnson said, via Mark Carman of the CHGO Bears podcast. “I don’t think the chemistry in the room will miss a beat now.”
Bradbury arrived in Chicago following a standout 2025 season with New England. He started all 17 games, not allowing a sack or committing a penalty over 642 pass-blocking snaps. He helped the team reach the Super Bowl by protecting the quarterback and opening running lanes.
Over seven NFL seasons, six with the Minnesota Vikings and one with New England, Bradbury has started 105 games in total.
Losing Dalman is a tough blow for the Bears. However, Johnson believes Bradbury can step in and keep the offense running smoothly.
“We came to a consensus that Garrett was going to fit us like a glove,” he said. “Obviously, he had a lot of success last year, made it to the Super Bowl. Very cerebral player.”
Bradbury is in the final year of the two-year deal he signed with the Patriots last offseason. He is set to earn $4.7 million for the 2026 season. The trade was an affordable move that let the Bears fill a key position without sacrificing multiple top draft picks.
Ben Johnson speaks out on unexpected Chicago Bears news
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