Bears’ Pro Bowl offensive lineman makes stunning announcement that throws a massive wrench into the team’s offseason plans
Chicago Bears center Drew Dalman announces his retirement from the NFL.
Days before the start of free agency, the Chicago Bears just got hit with a stunning announcement that throws a massive wrench into the rest of the team’s offseason plans.
Pro Bowl center Drew Dalman announced his retirement from the NFL at 27-years-old coming off the best season of his young career.
Dalman signed a three-year, $42 million contract with the Bears last offseason in free agency and immediately proved to be a difference-maker leading the interior the offensive line. He was a valuable addition and now becomes a massive loss for the Bears to replace.
Drew Dalman’s sudden retirement completely shakes up the Bears’ offseason
Dalman was one of the first signings the Bears made in free agency last year after head coach Ben Johnson made it clear how important the center position is for his scheme and for a young quarterback.
“To help him out the most going forward I do think we need a strong presence at center,” Johnson explained at the 2025 Combine. “Smart player that can help set the table for a run game and pass protection perspective.”
It was a slam dunk of a signing for the Bears. Dalman was exactly what the Bears needed and cashed in a Pro Bowl campaign in his first year with the team. Hearing this news is gut-wrenching and I wish Dalman nothing but the best after making this difficult decision.
It’s a shocking move and not one the Bears were prepared for by any means. The only viable option to replace Dalman on the roster is 2025 sixth-round rookie Luke Newman, who has little experience at the position. Which means the Bears will likely be shopping for a new center and some top names have already been linked to Chicago.
Bears are already sniffing around about potential center replacements
Not long after the Dalman news was released, NFL Insider Albert Breer noted the Bears were sniffing around about acquiring Tyler Linderbaum, the top center option in free agency who’s expected to command a sizable contract if he hits the market.
NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport connected another name soon after in Tyler Biadasz, who was recently released from the Washington Commanders. Biadasz can sign at any point after being released and already in route to Chicago for a visit.
The Bears are moving quick and it’s clear this is something they knew about behind closed doors. Acquiring a starting center won’t be cheap and will surely impact the rest of the moves the Bears could look to make next week when free agency opens.
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