One of the biggest shocks of the Chicago Bears’ offseason was the retirement of Pro Bowl center Drew Dalman after just one season with the team. Dalman was instrumental to the offensive line’s success, as well as quarterback Caleb Williams’ development.
The Bears didn’t wait long to fill the void with the trade acquisition of veteran Garrett Bradbury from the New England Patriots, bringing Bradbury back to the NFC North and pairing Williams with another well-versed veteran. Bradbury served as the starting center for Patriots quarterback Drake Maye last season, and head coach Ben Johnson believes Bradbury is going to “fit us like a glove.”
Williams sounded off on the addition of Bradbury, where he explained that the key to them getting on the same page is repeated reps and communication, something that Williams accomplished with Dalman last offseason.
“With Garrett it’s reps, now that I’ve been in it, being able to communicate, being able to speak about the offensive cadence and things like that,” Williams said. “I think that’s a jumpstart. But it all comes down to reps, seeing how he snaps it and questioning him, him questioning me, us talking, communicating. Then when we get out there, just having the reps like I said.”
Williams and Bradbury won’t have a chance to get those reps in until the second phase of the offseason program, where they’ll be able to hit the field for the first time. In order for the Bears offense to maintain its success in 2026, Williams and Bradbury are going to need to be on the same page, so it’ll certainly be a focal point throughout the offseason and summer.
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This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Bears’ Caleb Williams on key to building rapport with Garrett Bradbury
Reporting by Alyssa Barbieri, Bears Wire / Bears Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
