The Chicago Bears were dealt a surprising blow when Pro Bowl center Drew Dalman announced his shocking retirement at 27 years old, which forced them to pivot at a key position in Ben Johnson’s offense. That included using a second-round pick to land Logan Jones, the first center selected in the 2026 NFL Draft.
It was the second move made at center after Dalman’s retirement. Shortly after the news, the Bears traded for New England Patriots center Garrett Bradbury, a long-time NFC North veteran to serve as a stop-gap solution. But they doubled down in the draft with the selection of Jones, who they believe will the long-term answer for quarterback Caleb Williams.
It’s uncertain whether Jones will see the field as a rookie, with Bradbury on the roster for one year, but he’ll get a chance to compete for the starting job this summer. Even if he doesn’t win the job as a rookie, ESPN’s Jordan Reid believes Jones is one of the five most underrated rookies heading into 2026, where it’s all about the long game.
The sudden retirement of Drew Dalman left a huge hole at center for the Bears in the long term. Chicago traded for Garrett Bradbury to be its presumptive starter in 2026, but he’ll be a free agent after the 2026 season. Jones could be the centerpiece of Chicago’s O-line in 2027 and beyond.
With the arrival of Johnson as head coach, the Bears overhauled the interior offensive line with All-Pro Joe Thuney, Dalman and Jonah Jackson, who joined right tackle Darnell Wright on what became a top offensive line in the league. Replacing Dalman won’t be an easy task, but the Bears have two capable players in Jones and Bradbury, including the young rookie who could prove to be the long-term solution.
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This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Why Bears center Logan Jones is among most underrated rookies
Reporting by Alyssa Barbieri, Bears Wire / Bears Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Alyssa Barbieri, Bears Wire | USA TODAY Network
