The Chicago Bears enjoyed a breakout campaign in 2025, but after a hectic offseason, this team looks quite different from the last time we saw it. Change has been a constant part of third-year quarterback Caleb Williams‘ journey in the NFL so far, and he will be forced to adapt once again as he prepares for the new year.
Adapting to new changes is easier when you are coming off the sort of season Williams just enjoyed for the Bears. The offense around him looks quite different, though, with perhaps the most important difference coming at the center position, where Garrett Bradbury will be manning the fort. Williams and Bradbury have worked on building their chemistry throughout training camp, with the star quarterback recently dishing on their evolving relationship.
Caleb Williams Opens Up on Garrett Bradbury Relationship
In his first season playing under head coach Ben Johnson, Williams turned himself into a star. His numbers improved across the board (330/568, 3,942 YDS, 27 TD, 7 INT, 77 CAR, 388 YDS, 3 TD), and he helped lead the Bears all the way to the divisional round of the playoffs, where they came up just short against the Los Angeles Rams.
Part of the reason Williams improved under center was that the offensive line in front of him performed at such a high level. At the heart of that group was center Drew Dalman, who started all 17 games and earned a Pro Bowl selection. However, at the age of 27, Dalman opted to retire this offseason, dealing Chicago a huge loss along its o-line.
That forced the Bears to swing a trade with the New England Patriots for Bradbury, who anchored the team’s offensive line during its run to the Super Bowl. Throughout training camp, Williams and Bradbury have been working to get on the same page, and while there have been some bumps in the road, it sounds like things are progressing at a solid rate.
“It was a good test for us,” Williams said of his work with Bradbury during the Bears’ joint practice with the Cincinnati Bengals. “Some things to work on for sure. We spoke about them out there on the field … It’s just him and I being able to work together and communicate on those things.”
Bears Face Big Test in Preseason Clash vs. Bengals
GettyLAKE FOREST, ILLINOIS – JULY 29: Caleb Williams #18 of the Chicago Bears speaks to the media during Chicago Bears Training Camp at Halas Hall on July 29, 2026 in Lake Forest, Illinois. (Photo by Geoff Stellfox/Getty Images)
The Bears haven’t yet revealed their plan for their starters in their upcoming preseason clash against the Bengals, but after most of their first-unit offense sat out last week, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see them get some work in this game. That would provide Williams and Bradbury with an opportunity to test their connection in a live-game setting.
Bradbury is a veteran who has quite a bit of experience in the NFL, so after adapting to playing with Drake Maye last year, he should be able to figure things out with Williams. That comes with time and repetition, though, so if Chicago ends up playing its starters, fans will be keeping an eye out on Williams and Bradbury to see how their new connection holds up.
Bears’ Caleb Williams Opens Up on New Center Garrett Bradbury Ahead of Bengals Game