Bears once again strike quickly in free agency, expected to continue addressing a critical unit the team has ignored for a long time
The Chicago Bears are no strangers to striking quick in free agency under general manager Ryan Poles. Last offseason, the Bears were one of the first teams to make a move after agreeing to terms with running back D'Andre Swift. This time around, the Bears are striking quick again with an expected move that will […]
The Chicago Bears are no strangers to striking quick in free agency under general manager Ryan Poles. Last offseason, the Bears were one of the first teams to make a move after agreeing to terms with running back D'Andre Swift.
This time around, the Bears are striking quick again with an expected move that will put a smile on the face of quarterback Caleb Williams.
Coming from the Detroit Lions, new head coach Ben Johnson understands that everything on offense starts with having a strong core up-front.
He certainly brought that mentality to the Bears. Prior to free agency kicking off, the Bears went out to acquire a former Pro Bowlers in Jonah Jackson and a back-to-back All Pro in Joe Thuney, two expected starters at guard after seeing the market clear up at the position. However, adding two guards only filled two of the three needs, there was still one more glaring position on the offensive line to address.
"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."
Well Ben Johnson, your wish is the front office's command. The Bears have seemingly found their new starting center in Drew Dalman, and are expected to pay top dollar to acquire him.
According to NFL Media's Ian Rapoport, the Bears are expected to sign Dalman to a 3-year, $42 million contract ($14 million per year), which would be the team's first addition of the free agency cycle. The deal is also expected to make Dalman the second-highest paid center, trailing only Creed Humphrey's $18 million per year.
Dalman's presence alone would bring some much needed clarity to the position. Over the last five seasons, the Bears have had four different starting centers in Coleman Shelton, Lucas Patrick, Sam Mustipher and Cody Whitehair.
Last offseason, the Bears signed Shelton to compete for the starting job on a one-year deal. Even though he started all 17 games (the only Bears offensive lineman to do so in 2024), the level of play was still insufficient in the middle of the unit.
By adding Dalman, the Bears can finally address the position in a meaningful manner. Dalman was easily the top center on the market. His strengths come from being a top run-blocker but he's been growing into his potential in the pass game. In 2024, Dalman allowed only 10 pressures in 295 pass-blocking snaps, a 97.8% efficiency.
With this expected addition, the Bears have already overhauled the interior of the offensive line in a major way right out of the gate, turning from the team's biggest weakness to one of the strengths on the roster.
Once this signing is official, this will take a big chunk off the remaining salary cap space, which will play a role in how aggressive the team will be moving forward.
Regardless, this is totally worth the high price. The Bears have treated the offensive line with half-measure moves for years now and it's fantastic to see the front office finally address the position in a meaningful manner.
Now, let's see if the team can add a top edge rusher and perhaps some more quality offensive line depth to pair with their new starters.
Bears 2025 Free Agency Tracker: Keeping tabs on all the new additions plus who’s leaving, as Ryan Poles attempts to overhaul the roster in Chicago
Tracking every move made by the Bears.
