How the Chicago Bears Offensive Line Is Impacting the 2026 Season

Following a massive interior overhaul ahead of the 2025 season, the Chicago Bears' offensive line completely reshaped its identity. General Manager Ryan Poles brought in heavy-hitters like Joe Thuney, Jonah Jackson, and center Drew Dalman to solidify the front for Caleb Williams. These moves pushed the unit into elite territory, allowing it to finish the year as the 3rd best-ranked group in the NFL.

However, the 2026 outlook shifted dramatically with the shocking early retirement of Drew Dalman. After earning a Pro Bowl nod and acting as the line's long-term anchor, Dalman’s sudden departure leaves a massive void in leadership. The front office had to scramble to find a replacement to maintain the unit's high standards.

2025 Chicago Bears Offensive Line Overview

PFF ranked the Bears' offensive line as the 3rd best unit in the NFL following the 2025 season, labeling it the league's "most improved". This elite status held up throughout the year as the group paved the way for a successful campaign. The metrics show just how dominant this front became before the recent roster turnover.

Darnell Wright emerged as a true star at right tackle, posting a 81.4 PFF grade and locking down elite edge rushers. He gave up just six accepted penalties all year while ranking 6th among all right tackles in run blocking. His performances led him to 2nd team All-Pro honors.

Braxton Jones bookended the line solidly on the left, with both tackles firmly grading out in the top 22 league-wide. However, he didn’t start or play every game last season as he was in competition with Ozzy Trapilo, who is set to miss the 2026 season due to injury.

The addition of Joe Thuney at left guard brought an absolute wall to the pocket for Caleb Williams. Thuney allowed pressure on just 4.4% of his pass-blocking snaps and earned All-Pro honors. His veteran presence remains critical as the unit navigates the loss of their starting center.

Center Comparison: Drew Dalman vs. Garrett Bradbury

With Garrett Bradbury joining the mix to replace the retired Dalman, the Bears aim to keep the interior secure. While Dalman was the established foundational piece, Bradbury brings experienced championship depth to the roster. Their statistical profiles from the 2025 season highlight the transition the team now faces.

Metric / Profile	Drew Dalman (Retired)	Garrett Bradbury (New Starter)
PFF Position Rank	#8 overall among NFL centers	Mid-tier starter/High-end depth
Run Blocking	Elite (88.2 PFF Run-Block Grade)	Functional / Standard
Pass Protection	Allowed 31 pressures	0 sacks allowed last season
Durability	Played every single offensive snap	Played 17 games in 2025

The Takeaway for the 2026 Season

Drew Dalman was a premier zone-blocking weapon who single-handedly elevated the ceiling of the ground game. His processing speed and elite run-blocking execution made him a vital anchor for the entire offense. Replacing that level of production is the primary challenge for the coaching staff this year.

Garrett Bradbury serves as an exceptional solution to this sudden vacancy. Giving up zero sacks across more than 640 pass-blocking snaps proves he can limit catastrophic pocket collapses. However, if Bradbury doesn't work out, then Logan Jones can come in as the center of the future for the Bears.

Ultimately, the ceiling of the Bears' offense depends on whether this reconstructed line can find its chemistry. Darnell Wright and Jonah Jackson are expected to remain high-level contributors, but the transition from Dalman to Bradbury is a pivotal variable. If the veterans hold off the "age cliff" and the young tackles progress, the Bears will be on their way to surpassing last year’s success.