The Chicago Bears brought in veteran center Garrett Bradbury with the expectation that the trade would solidify the middle of the offensive line. Bradbury was coming off a great run with the New England Patriots, helping fuel the team's offense and setting up a run to the Super Bowl. Still, the Bears jumped at the chance to draft Logan Jones, understanding that the rookie center could potentially provide a level of stability for the offense for years to come.
Chicago is now tasked with the difficult choice of punting on a player they invested in, or holding Jones back for a season and allowing the rookie to learn working with the veteran center. For Bradbury, it became clear in minicamp that the aging center is fighting for his starting role and that is going to continue in training camp and heading into preseason action.
Bradbury took reps with Chicago's first team throughout minicamp and appears to have the inside track as the team's starting option. However, there is no denying that Jones has been incredibly impressive at every turn, taking full advantage of every chance given to push the competition and continue a debate as to which direction the team should go.
The energy has drastically shifted for Bradbury from having a chance to work with one of the league's top quarterback talents and solidify the offensive line to needing to fight tooth and nail to hold onto a starting role.
Bears Continue to Turn the Pressure up for Veteran Center Garrett Bradbury
It will be interesting to watch how snaps are managed in the preseason and if Bradbury is able to continue to cling to the starting role. Jones is the future, and this really isn't in question barring an injury or a collapse in the preseason. The only debate remaining is how long Bradbury can hold onto the starting job and keep Jones on the bench or serving at another role.
The Bears having too many offensive line options is a great problem when you consider recent seasons and how it has been an obvious point of weakness. Bradbury simply needs to prove he can still play at an elite level and offer a needed veteran presence that outweighs putting Jones instantly into the starting lineup.
No matter how it plays out, there is no debating that Bradbury is under immense pressure and being forced to fight for a role that appeared to be his. This speaks to Chicago's focus on adding the best possible pieces and fueling competition, never falling into the trap of contentment.
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