ESPN Questions Chicago Bears’ Garrett Bradbury Trade in New Grade
ESPN graded the Chicago Bears’ trade for center Garrett Bradbury and questioned whether the team overpaid for a one-year solution.
The Chicago Bears moved quickly to address the center position after Drew Dalman’s unexpected retirement, but not everyone believes the team received perfect value in the process.
In its analysis of the deal, ESPN gave Chicago a B- grade for trading for veteran center Garrett Bradbury.
Bradbury arrived in Chicago via trade with the New England Patriots, with the Bears sending a 2027 fifth-round pick in return.
Why ESPN Was Skeptical of Price Bears Paid for Bradbury
ESPN’s evaluation centered on the cost and the short-term nature of Bradbury’s contract.
Bradbury will count roughly $4.7 million against the salary cap in 2026, making him a relatively inexpensive option at the position. However, he is also scheduled to become a free agent after the season, meaning Chicago may only get one year of production from him.
According to ESPN's Seth Walder, that timeline raises questions about whether the Bears needed to give up draft capital at all.
“Bradbury is cheap — he'll cost $4.7 million this year but is a free agent after 2026,” Walder wrote. “But for the Bears to give up a fifth-round pick for a single season of him is not trivial and seems like a slight overpay.”
Why the Chicago Bears Chose Garrett Bradbury
Chicago’s urgency at the position likely played a major role in the decision.
Dalman’s sudden retirement created a gaping hole at center. Rather than entering the season with an inexperienced rookie, the Bears opted for a proven veteran with more than 80 career starts.
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Bradbury was originally a first-round pick in the 2019 NFL Draft and has spent the majority of his career as a full-time starter.
Stability at center is particularly important for the Bears as Caleb Williams enters a critical third season in the league. Williams benefited from Dalman's leadership up front. Bradbury isn't as talented as Dalman, but he should bring the same kind of football IQ to the offensive line.
Other Options Chicago Could Have Considered at Center
ESPN also suggested that the Bears may have had alternative paths available.
Indeed, one of those options mentioned by ESPN, Connor McGovern, just inked a massive new deal with the Buffalo Bills. But what about Cade Mays? He could potentially have been signed in free agency without costing Chicago a draft pick. Choosing Bradbury instead ensured a quick solution but required surrendering future draft capital.
Still, the Bears may have preferred the certainty of acquiring a player they believed could immediately step into the starting lineup.
What the Garrett Bradbury Trade Means for the Bears
Even with the mixed review, the Bradbury trade reflects Chicago’s priority this offseason: maintaining stability along the offensive line.
Replacing Dalman quickly reduces uncertainty at a key position responsible for setting protections and anchoring the interior pocket. The Bears won't have to get into a bidding war for a player like Tyler Linderbaum, and they won't have to settle for a second- or third-wave free agent to step into the starting lineup.
Whether the move ultimately proves to be worth the cost will depend on Bradbury’s performance during the 2026 season.
