Chicago announced on May 28, 2026 that rookie quarterback Caleb Williams is showing measurable progress in preseason drills, prompting the Bears to accelerate roster moves at the center spot. The front office acted within days of veteran Drew Dalman’s surprise retirement, trading a 2026 fifth‑round pick for former Patriots starter Garrett Bradbury to protect Williams’ pocket.
Williams, the 2025 Heisman winner who threw for 4,500 yards and 45 touchdowns at USC, completed his first full spring session under head coach Matt Eberflus, impressing coaches with a 78% completion rate in short‑zone reads. The Bears hope his poise will translate to a top‑ranked passing attack once the regular season begins. Chicago’s 2025 offense ranked 23rd in passing yards, a gap the rookie hopes to close.
Why did the Bears act so quickly on the center position?
When Dalman announced his retirement after five seasons, the team faced a sudden void at a position critical to both pass protection and run blocking. The trade was finalized with New England for Garrett Bradbury, a veteran who anchored the Patriots’ line during their Super Bowl LX run, ensuring continuity for Williams’ development. According to ESPN, the deal also included a conditional upgrade to a fourth‑round pick if Bradbury started more than eight games.
How is Williams adapting to Eberflus’ multiple‑read scheme?
Williams thrives in the multiple‑read offense, posting a 7.2 EPA per snap in the first week of organized team activities. His ability to execute play‑action fakes and extend plays past the line has already raised the Bears’ projected passing DVOA to the top third of the league. The numbers reveal that his quick‑release style could add roughly 0.2 seconds of pocket time per snap, a margin that aligns with the team’s red‑zone efficiency goals.
Chicago Bears’ offensive outlook after the center move
Chicago Bears now possess a veteran anchor at the interior line, giving Williams a stable platform that should reduce sack pressure and improve red‑zone efficiency. Analysts predict the Bears could finish the season in the top five for passing yards per game, provided the offensive line remains healthy. However, the front office must still address depth at tackle, a lingering concern among scouts. The move also frees $1.2 million in cap space, allowing Chicago to explore upgrades at edge rusher before free agency.
Chicago Bears’ front office brass has been praised for its decisive action, a rare display of strategic clarity in a market often plagued by indecision. This boldness may set a tone for the rest of the offseason, as the organization seeks to build around Williams’ elite talent.
Key Developments
- Dalman retired while entering the second year of a three‑year contract, leaving a $2.8 million cap hit.
- The trade for Bradbury included a conditional clause that upgrades the pick to a fourth‑rounder if he starts more than eight games.
- Logan Jones visited the Bears‘ draft room and impressed staff, leading to his selection as a potential backup center.
Why did Drew Dalman retire unexpectedly?
Dalman cited personal health concerns and a desire to pursue opportunities outside football, ending a five‑year career that began with a fourth‑round selection in 2022.
When will Garrett Bradbury likely assume the starting center role?
Bradbury is expected to start the first preseason game, as the Bears have given him the first reps in two‑minute drills to sync with Williams’ cadence.
How does the new center affect Caleb Williams’ pocket time?
Bradbury’s experience in high‑pressure situations should add roughly 0.2 seconds of pocket time per snap, a margin that aligns with Williams’ quick‑release style.
What cap space does the trade free up for the Bears?
The Bradbury deal releases about $1.2 million, giving Chicago flexibility to add edge‑rusher talent before the free‑agency period begins.
How might the offensive line upgrades impact the Bears’ 2026 win total?
Analysts project that improved protection could boost the team’s passing efficiency enough to add three to four wins over the 2025 record.
