How the Bears Starting Center Battle Could Shape the 2026 Season
The 2025 season saw the Chicago Bears have one of their most successful years in recent memory. They went 11-6, won the NFC North, and beat the Green Bay Packers in the playoffs. The season did not end on a great note as they were eliminated by the Los Angeles Rams the following week, but it was still a strong season for Chicago. However, the offseason quickly took a turn as Drew Dalman announced a shocking retirement. The Bears had to find a way to bolster the position and acted quickly, trading for Garrett Bradbury. Then they drafted Logan Jones in the second round, with the plan that he could be the long-term answer. Now, the hope is that enough was done, as the center position may ultimately shape the 2026 season. With the contenders identified, let's take a closer look at who could anchor the offensive line.
Garrett Bradbury
Bradbury is a familiar name to many in Chicago. He began his career with Minnesota before joining the Patriots. The 31-year-old’s time with the Vikings did not go well; he was often overpowered by defenders and struggled across most aspects of the game. However, this past season in New England saw much-improved play. The Bears must have been pleased with what they saw, as once Dalman retired, the team made the North Carolina native their first move. Now that he is paired with a talented offensive line, the hope is that he can continue to improve and stabilize the group.
It is very clear what the former first-round pick offers the Bears. Throughout his career, he has stayed healthy and started 105 games. This reliability is exactly what the team needs, as at the very least, he can step in and provide serviceable play. Bradbury's ceiling is certainly not as high as it was when he joined the league, but last year he proved that he can fill the position without getting overwhelmed. The veteran center can draw on his experience to identify opposing defenses and guide the young team, as Dalman did last season. It is not a flashy move, but it ensures the offense does not see a large drop in production.
Logan Jones
Heading into 2026, Jones is almost the exact opposite of the story. As a rookie, it is hard to know exactly what he offers the team. However, his upside is high, making him one of the top centers in the draft. Chicago clearly felt like it could develop him into being the center of the future, but that could be sooner than many thought. The former Iowa Hawkeye is an elite athlete with experience playing in a run-heavy offense, which aligns with what the Bears relied on for much of last season. Additionally, if he can get more playing time right away, then it will be easier for him to adjust to the professional level. The 24-year-old's upside could not only help stabilize the offensive line in 2026 but also elevate it beyond 2025 levels.
There are still many factors to consider when evaluating whether the Bears are truly ready to compete with the best the NFC has to offer. However, the center position may be one of the biggest battles to monitor. If the Bears cannot get solid play, the offense will take a step back. It would be hard to hold up in protection, and the run game would not have as much space to break free. However, if either option can live up to the hype, Chicago may see a repeat of last year's success. Both Bradbury and Jones have their positives, but they could also set the team back. Bradbury is a reliable veteran who has looked solid throughout his career but offers little future upside. Jones has more potential but has not yet played at the professional level, which is a significant adjustment. Ultimately, there may not be a position that can shape the 2026 season more than the center for Chicago.
