The Chicago Bears made some interesting moves in free agency to improve the roster, but the 2026 NFL Draft certainly complicated one position.
Chicago selected Iowa center Logan Jones in the second round of the draft, leaving what could be a massive training camp position battle between him and Garrett Bradbury at center, which might not be great for Bradbury. USA Today NFL reporter Nate Davis had Bradbury on his list of 26 NFL players on thin ice after the draft.
"Obtained via trade after Drew Dalman’s surprise retirement, Bradbury is likely just a short-term fix – and his contract expires after this season – following the arrival of Logan Jones in the second round."
Garrett Bradbury might be in trouble with Logan Jones's arrival
It seems odd that Bradbury is already on the hot seat when Jones's arrival shouldn't really affect anything. If the Bears were playing this smart, they would give Jones a year to learn, let the veteran finish out the final year of his contract as the starting center, and then move forward with the young gun in 2027.
Bradbury has never been a top-10 center in this league, but he is reliable and knows what the offense needs. His familiarity with left guard Joe Thuney should also help with getting the offensive line set up the right way pre-snap.
There might be a scenario where Bradbury struggles in the middle of the season, and then Jones comes in, which would make sense if that happens. Bradbury is a good enough center, though, that he would handle the starting job well all year.
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To say that Bradbury is on thin ice might be a bit too much, as he should start in 2026. While he most likely won't be back in a Bears uniform in 2027 unless he has a Pro Bowl season, he should be safe for one year.
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