The Chicago Bears have an intriguing battle heading into OTAs and training camp with second-round rookie Logan Jones set to challenge veteran Garrett Bradbury for the starting center job.
Following Drew Dalman’s surprise retirement, the Bears traded for Bradbury, who has one year left on his current deal, and drafted Jones in the second round of the 2026 NFL Draft. Jones will certainly have to earn the job by beating out Bradbury, who has chemistry with veteran Joe Thuney as they were collegiate teammates, and the importance of the offensive line is key in Chicago.
There’s no denying that the revamped offensive line last year helped propel the team to much more success in the first year with head coach Ben Johnson, who emphasized the offensive line, which also was key in the development of quarterback Caleb Williams. Dalman played a key role in that success, so finding an impactful successor is key.
Jones recently discussed how he plans to work on his relationship with Williams, one of the most essential and critical relationships for the success of the franchise moving forward.
“Just communicate, talking to him,” Jones said. “In the building we’ll see each other. Every day we’ll work together, whether it be like center-QB exchange, you’re always switching with the quarterbacks just to make sure you’re solidified there. Just going out practicing and then in the building, going out of my way to talk to him, actually getting to know him. He was cool, he texted me right after I got drafted, so obviously he’s a good dude and he cares about this team. I got to meet him when I was here the day after I got drafted and he was pretty cool. Got to talk to him. I think it’s going to be pretty easy just to get to know him. This time is perfect for that because we’re not in the season when it’s super hectic and busy. I’ll get to talk to him, hang out with him a little bit more.”
The battle for the starting center position may be one of the most intriguing position battles for the Bears this offseason, and if Jones can quickly build chemistry with Williams, it could help his chances to get the nod. Jones is coming in with a highly-respected collegiate career at Iowa, where he won the Rimington Award trophy as the nation’s best center in college football last season.
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This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Bears’ Logan Jones discussed building chemistry with Caleb Williams
Reporting by Mike Pendleton, Bears Wire / Bears Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
