The New England Patriots will have a new starting center in 2026. Garrett Bradbury, who filled that role for all 21 games last season, has been traded to the Chicago Bears in exchange for a fifth-round selection in the 2027 NFL Draft.
Let’s put a grade on the move based on the information we have available so far.
Instant grade: Patriots trade C Garrett Bradbury to Bears
Bernd Buchmasser: Obviously, this is only the first shoe to drop. That said, the Patriots are sending a proven starter and somebody who has shown some solid chemistry with Drake Maye away
for relatively minor cap savings and a modest pick return. That’s not a bad thing per se — second-year OL Jared Wilson is in line to take over — but it is a bit of a gamble nonetheless. | Grade: B–
Pat Lane: Bradbury was solid last year, but Jared Wilson is the center of the future for the Patriots. Getting a fifth, even if it’s next year, is good, but not great, value for the veteran center | Grade: B
Andrew Guindon: Bradbury filled in nicely as a temporary plug at center, but it’s time for Jared Wilson to perform where he was drafted to play. The Patriots still have Ben Brown as a quality backup. A future fifth rounder is decent value as well. | B+
Matt St. Jean: Bradbury was better than expected to help solidify the interior last season, but the Patriots are looking to get younger to build for the future around Drake Maye. Taking advantage of the center-needy Bears to get a return with Jared Wilson and Ben Brown already in the building is a savvy move. What determines how good this move really ends up being is how well the team fills the newly vacant spot on the line. | B+
What do you think about the Bradbury trade? Do you like it? Do you not? Please head to the comment section to discuss.
