The Chicago Bears appear to be all set at center, despite some fan concerns about the position heading into a pivotal 2026 season for the team.
Former Bears starting Pro Bowl center Drew Dalman retired from the NFL, leaving a massive gap at center. Chicago quickly responded by trading with the New England Patriots to acquire Garrett Bradbury.
Many believe that Bradbury will be the starter in 2026, but could one selection in the NFL Draft completely change that? Packers reporter Easton Butler reported that the Bears hosted Duke Blue Devils offensive lineman Brian Parker II for a 30 visit.
Bears brought in Brian Parker II for a visit
Parker does not get enough credit in the conversation as one of the best linemen in the NFL Draft after having a strong season with the Blue Devils in 2025. In 508 pass blocking snaps, he allowed 19 pressures, three sacks, and two quarterback hits while only committing two penalties all season. Pro Football Focus had him graded as the fourth-best tackle in the nation with 88.2
The former high school center played left and right tackle during his college years at Duke. Parker is making the change back to center and could even be a swing lineman, playing guard as well.
Chicago would actually be a perfect spot for Parker if they wanted to bring him in as a center. He can sit behind Bradbury for a year to get more comfortable with the center position again, or he could back up Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson at guard.
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With Parker's athletic ability and great lateral movement on the line, he looks like a guy who could adapt quickly and get his bearings around being a center. The Bears would hope that he could replace Bradbury, who is seen more as a band-aid to the position for the time being.