In a surprising turn of events, the Chicago Bears found themselves needing to fill a crucial spot on their roster after Pro Bowl center Drew Dalman announced his retirement at just 27. The Bears moved swiftly, securing Garrett Bradbury in a trade with the New England Patriots to fill the gap.
Bradbury's transition to Chicago has been smooth, with positive interactions with his new quarterback, Caleb Williams. He's particularly thrilled about reuniting with Joe Thuney, his former college teammate and the Bears' standout All-Pro left guard. Bradbury didn't hold back in his praise for Thuney, calling him a "stud," a sentiment that resonates with the Bears' fan base.
The Bears' acquisition of Thuney last offseason was a masterstroke by general manager Ryan Poles. Trading with the Kansas City Chiefs, Poles managed to bring in Thuney for just a fourth-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Thuney's impact was immediate, earning Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors, and even clinching the inaugural NFL Protector of the Year award.
Thuney's performance has solidified his reputation as the best guard-and arguably the best lineman-in the league. He's a key part of an elite offensive line that also features second-team All-Pro right tackle Darnell Wright and right guard Jonah Jackson.
However, the Bears face challenges on the left side of the line. With Ozzy Trapilo sidelined for a significant portion of 2026, the battle for the left tackle position is wide open, with Braxton Jones, Jedrick Wills, and Theo Benedet all vying for the spot. As for the center position, Bradbury is set to take the reins in 2026, but with only one year left on his contract, the Bears need to decide whether he's their long-term solution or if they should look to the draft for his successor.