Bears Add Garrett Bradbury to Solidify Offensive Line for Caleb Williams

Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams made significant strides in his debut season under Ben Johnson, but the team’s offensive line will look considerably different in 2026. With longtime center Drew Dalman retiring, the Bears moved quickly to address the gap by acquiring Garrett Bradbury from the New England Patriots in a trade.

Bradbury brings experience and familiarity to the Bears’ front five, having played alongside left guard Joe Thuney during their time at NC State. The duo hopes to recapture that chemistry in Chicago, providing Williams with more protection and a reliable interior line.

“Spent two years with Joe in college. He’s a stud,” Bradbury said. “He’s consistent, works hard, and handles everything the right way. I’m really excited to get back together and see what we can do on the field.” His comments underline the confidence Bradbury has in reuniting with a proven teammate.

The Bears are betting that this pairing can improve the overall performance of the offensive line, giving Williams the stability he needs to continue his development while maintaining an effective rushing and passing attack.

1. Bradbury’s NFL Experience

Garrett Bradbury enters Chicago with 105 career NFL starts, offering a seasoned presence to a Bears line that lost its veteran anchor. While he hasn’t always been elite—Pro Football Focus gave him a 60.1 overall grade in 2025, ranking him 30th among 40 centers—his experience and prior success with Thuney are seen as major positives. Bradbury’s familiarity with Thuney, a multi-time Super Bowl champion and two-time All-Pro, should help ease his transition to a new team and system. Their prior collaboration in college gives the Bears confidence that the two can communicate effectively at the line of scrimmage and handle complex blocking schemes. Acquired for just a fifth-round pick, Bradbury represents a low-risk investment with the potential for high rewards. If he performs up to expectations, he could stabilize a unit that struggled with consistency during transitions in 2025. While his stats may not immediately impress, Bradbury’s leadership, durability, and prior NFL experience make him a critical piece for protecting Williams and maintaining offensive efficiency in both the passing and running game.

2. Joe Thuney’s Role

Left guard Joe Thuney remains the centerpiece of the Bears’ interior line, bringing leadership, skill, and championship experience. With four Super Bowl rings, three Pro Bowls, and two All-Pro selections, Thuney has already made a strong impact in Chicago, winning the inaugural Protector of the Year award in his first season with the team. Thuney’s consistency and leadership provide a reliable partner for Bradbury, allowing the new center to settle in quickly while reducing potential communication errors or breakdowns in pass protection. The pair’s prior chemistry from NC State is expected to translate into smooth collaboration on complex blocking assignments. For Williams, having Thuney and Bradbury working in tandem should create a safer pocket and more efficient running lanes. A strong left-side tandem can allow Williams to focus on reading defenses and making accurate throws rather than worrying about interior pressure. The Thuney-Bradbury connection also benefits the rest of the offensive line, as their communication and reliability set a standard for cohesion and discipline, essential for a young quarterback in a system led by a first-year head coach.

3. Expectations for the Offensive Line

Chicago is relying on Bradbury to not just fill a roster spot, but to be a stabilizing force for the entire offensive line. The Bears want to avoid any weak points that could put Williams at risk, particularly given his importance to the team’s long-term plans. Bradbury’s prior experience with Thuney and knowledge of complex blocking schemes should help minimize the learning curve and allow the line to perform at a higher level quickly. The Bears hope this will translate into better pass protection, improved run blocking, and fewer penalties. Success from the interior line will also create opportunities for other skill-position players, giving the Bears a more balanced and effective offense. Williams’ continued development is tied closely to the line’s performance, making Bradbury’s integration a top priority during offseason preparations and training camp. Ultimately, the Bradbury acquisition signals Chicago’s commitment to building a foundation around their young quarterback while leveraging proven veterans like Thuney to maximize offensive efficiency. With the new center in place, the Bears aim to enter the 2026 season with a more secure and capable offensive front.