A former division rival just arrived in Chicago — and it didn’t take long for him to be impressed.
After only one weekend together, Caleb Williams may have already won over his new center.

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Caleb Williams Quickly Wins Over New Bears Teammate Garrett Bradbury

CHICAGO — The Chicago Bears were forced to make a sudden move this offseason after losing their starting center. But their replacement is already feeling confident about the team’s future — and a big reason is quarterback Caleb Williams.

Veteran center Garrett Bradbury, recently acquired by Chicago in a trade with the New England Patriots, revealed that he spent time with Williams shortly after arriving in town. And according to Bradbury, the interaction confirmed everything he had heard about the young quarterback.

“I’ve heard great things about him, and that reaffirmed everything that I’ve heard,” Bradbury said while speaking with reporters. “He’s an awesome guy, he’s obviously an awesome player.”

For a player who spent years competing against the Bears in the NFC North, that praise carries weight.

A Sudden Change on the Offensive Line

Chicago wasn’t expecting to search for a new center this offseason.

The team signed Drew Dalman last year hoping he would anchor the offensive line for several seasons. Dalman even rewarded that faith by earning a Pro Bowl selection in 2025, the first Bears center to do so in seven years.

But in a surprising move, Dalman announced his retirement at age 27, forcing the Bears to act quickly.

Chicago responded by trading for Bradbury, sending the Patriots a 2027 fifth-round draft pick in exchange for the veteran lineman.

Bradbury Brings Experience

Bradbury entered the NFL as a first-round pick by the Minnesota Vikings in 2019, spending several seasons as a starter in the NFC North before eventually joining New England.

During the 2025 season with the Patriots, Bradbury played 1,070 offensive snaps, allowing 20 pressures and zero penalties, according to Pro Football Focus.

He also played a key role during New England’s playoff run, where the Patriots advanced all the way to Super Bowl 60.

In those postseason games, Bradbury allowed nine pressures and two sacks over 264 snaps, helping protect quarterback Drake Maye during the team’s deep playoff push.

Now he’s tasked with providing similar stability for Chicago’s offense.

Already Building Chemistry With Caleb Williams

Even before offseason workouts fully begin, Bradbury has already started building a relationship with the Bears’ franchise quarterback.

That early connection is encouraging for a team focused on helping Caleb Williams continue his development.

Williams quickly established himself as a leader in Chicago during the 2025 season, and Bradbury’s comments suggest the young quarterback is continuing to earn respect from teammates.

Bradbury even hinted that the relationship could be mutually beneficial.

“I’m looking forward to getting to work with him and helping him any way I can,” he said. “And learning from him as well.”

A Positive Sign for the Bears’ Future

The Bears’ offensive line overhaul wasn’t part of the original offseason plan, but the quick move to acquire Bradbury may help stabilize the interior of the line.

If Bradbury can replicate his steady play in Chicago — and if his early connection with Williams continues to grow — the Bears could find themselves with a much stronger offensive foundation heading into the next season.

And judging by Bradbury’s early impressions, the future of the Bears offense may already be in good hands.