The Chicago Bears may have solved one problem on their offensive line — but they might have created another.
Garrett Bradbury is officially Caleb Williams’ new center, yet one huge question remains: can he actually protect the franchise quarterback?

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Bears Land Garrett Bradbury — But Can the New Center Truly Protect Caleb Williams?

The Chicago Bears made a quick move to stabilize their offensive line after veteran center Drew Dalman abruptly retired.

Chicago traded for Garrett Bradbury, bringing in the former Patriots center to anchor the middle of the offensive line. On paper, the deal looks like a bargain.

But once you dig into the numbers, the move becomes far more complicated.

For a team building its future around quarterback Caleb Williams, the stakes couldn’t be higher.

A Cheap Move That Helps the Bears’ Salary Cap

At first glance, the trade seems like a smart piece of business from general manager Ryan Poles.

Bradbury carries a $5.7 million cap hit for the 2026 season, far less than what the Bears would have paid if they pursued a premium center like Tyler Linderbaum, who commands around $20 million annually.

That financial flexibility matters.

Chicago now has extra cap space to address other critical needs — particularly left tackle and defensive reinforcements.

Even the trade compensation was minimal. The Bears only gave up a fifth-round pick, which is a relatively small price for a starting offensive lineman.

On the surface, it looks like a low-risk move.

But the real concern is whether Bradbury can deliver where it matters most.

The Joe Thuney Connection

There’s also a personal element to the deal.

Bradbury and Bears guard Joe Thuney share a long-standing relationship dating back to their North Carolina State college days. The two were close friends and teammates, even traveling together to games.

That familiarity could help chemistry on Chicago’s offensive line — something that often takes time to develop.

Still, friendships don’t win pass-blocking battles against elite defensive linemen.

The Pass Protection Problem

Bradbury’s biggest weakness has followed him throughout his career: pass blocking.

According to Pro Football Focus, Bradbury ranked just 23rd among centers in pass-blocking last season, even during one of the best years of his career.

Throughout his time in the NFL, his rankings have rarely improved.

During his first three seasons with the Minnesota Vikings, Bradbury finished near the bottom of the league in pass-blocking grades — including dead last among centers in two of those seasons.

Across his seven-year career, Bradbury has allowed 20 sacks and committed 35 penalties, including 17 holding calls.

For a quarterback like Caleb Williams — who is expected to lead the Bears’ offense for the next decade — those numbers are concerning.

Why the Bears Still Made the Move

The reality is that Chicago may not have had many better options.

Dalman’s retirement created an unexpected hole in the middle of the offensive line, forcing the Bears to act quickly.

Rather than overspending in free agency, Poles opted for a cheaper veteran solution.

There’s also a strong belief that Bradbury is only a temporary fix.

Many analysts expect Chicago to draft a young center in the upcoming NFL Draft, with Bradbury serving as a bridge starter and mentor.

A Short-Term Plan for the Offensive Line

If that strategy is correct, Bradbury’s role becomes much clearer.

He would start in 2026 while helping develop a rookie center who could eventually take over the position.

That approach would mirror the strategy New England used last season, when Bradbury temporarily held the job before Jared Wilson eventually replaced him.

The Bears could follow the same blueprint.

Another possibility is that Chicago wants time to develop Luke Newman, who is transitioning into the center position.

Either way, Bradbury may simply be buying the team time.

The Best-Case Scenario for Chicago

Despite the concerns, there is still a potential upside.

Bradbury just finished a season in which he did not allow a sack and committed no penalties, while playing on a Patriots team that reached the Super Bowl.

If he can replicate that level of discipline and consistency in Chicago, the move could turn out far better than critics expect.

And if head coach Ben Johnson truly signed off on the move — as many believe — the Bears may see something in Bradbury that others have overlooked.

For now, though, one question lingers over the deal.

Can Garrett Bradbury truly protect Caleb Williams?

Or is he simply a temporary solution until the Bears find their real answer at center?