The Chicago Bears have acquired veteran center Garrett Bradbury from the New England Patriots in a trade that sends a 2027 fifth-round pick to New England, sources told ESPN. The deal cannot be finalized until the new league year begins next Wednesday. This move comes just three days after starting center Drew Dalman announced his retirement.

Bradbury, a 2019 first-round pick, spent six seasons with the Minnesota Vikings before signing a two-year, $12 million contract with New England last March. The Bears will assume the final year of his deal, which pays him $4.7 million in 2026. At 30 years old, Bradbury started all 17 regular-season games and all four playoff contests for the Patriots in 2025, providing veteran leadership to an offensive line that featured rookie starters.

The trade addresses a critical need for Chicago, which lost 40% of its offensive line starters this offseason. Bradbury's 105 career starts and experience in zone-blocking schemes should help stabilize the unit as the Bears transition under new coach Ben Johnson. His arrival follows the team's trade of wide receiver DJ Moore to Buffalo and release of linebacker Tremaine Edmunds, moves that have created $44 million in cap space.