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The Chicago Bears had one of the best offensive lines in the NFL last season, but things are going to look a little different in 2026 following a key injury and a shocking retirement.
After Pro Bowler Drew Dalman announced his surprising retirement after just five NFL seasons, the Bears quickly pivoted to acquire center Garrett Bradbury in a trade with the New England Patriots, sending a 2027 fifth-rounder in the deal. Bradbury is fresh off working with a young quarterback in Drake Maye, so the transition to Caleb Williams should be a familiar one.
Bradbury, a former first-round pick in 2019, has NFC North experience having started his career with the Minnesota Vikings, where he played for six years before being released in 2024 and signing with New England. It also helps that Bradbury will be familiar with his new left guard Joe Thuney, as the pair played together at North Carolina State for two seasons, and Chicago's new center couldn't help but gush about the All-Pro left guard.
“Spent two years with Joe in college. He's a stud," Bradbury said. "I think everyone in college knew when he left college what kind of player he was, and no one was surprised by the success he's had. It blows my mind that that two teams have let that guy walk out of the building. He's just a special guy. He's a pro, he handles everything the right way. He's a good leader. He works his butt off, and he is consistent as they come. I had some fun times with him in college and we've kept up over the years, just obviously being in the NFL together and playing against him a few times. Definitely excited to get back together with him.”
Bradbury started all 17 games for the Patriots last season and played a key role in their Super Bowl run, which ended in a loss to the Seattle Seahawks. Last season, Bradbury allowed zero sacks in 642 pass blocking-snaps, per Pro Football Focus. Now, Bradbury will be responsible for playing one of the most important positions in Ben Johnson's offense and developing a rapport with Williams as Chicago looks to get back to the playoffs.
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This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Bears center Garrett Bradbury reacts to reunion with Joe Thuney
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After Pro Bowler Drew Dalman announced his surprising retirement after just five NFL seasons, the Bears quickly pivoted to acquire center Garrett Bradbury in a trade with the New England Patriots, sending a 2027 fifth-rounder in the deal. Bradbury is fresh off working with a young quarterback in Drake Maye, so the transition to Caleb Williams should be a familiar one.
Bradbury, a former first-round pick in 2019, has NFC North experience having started his career with the Minnesota Vikings, where he played for six years before being released in 2024 and signing with New England. It also helps that Bradbury will be familiar with his new left guard Joe Thuney, as the pair played together at North Carolina State for two seasons, and Chicago's new center couldn't help but gush about the All-Pro left guard.
“Spent two years with Joe in college. He's a stud," Bradbury said. "I think everyone in college knew when he left college what kind of player he was, and no one was surprised by the success he's had. It blows my mind that that two teams have let that guy walk out of the building. He's just a special guy. He's a pro, he handles everything the right way. He's a good leader. He works his butt off, and he is consistent as they come. I had some fun times with him in college and we've kept up over the years, just obviously being in the NFL together and playing against him a few times. Definitely excited to get back together with him.”
Bradbury started all 17 games for the Patriots last season and played a key role in their Super Bowl run, which ended in a loss to the Seattle Seahawks. Last season, Bradbury allowed zero sacks in 642 pass blocking-snaps, per Pro Football Focus. Now, Bradbury will be responsible for playing one of the most important positions in Ben Johnson's offense and developing a rapport with Williams as Chicago looks to get back to the playoffs.
Follow Bears Wire on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram
This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Bears center Garrett Bradbury reacts to reunion with Joe Thuney
Continue reading...
