The Chicago Bears have been stunned by the news that Pro Bowl centre Drew Dalman will retire with immediate effect. Only a year after signing a $42 million three-year deal, the former Atlanta Falcon will forfeit the remainder of his contract and hang up his cleats.
Reasons Unclear
This news will likely come as a shock to most Bears fans. After all, Dalman is giving up a significant chunk of money, had just completed the most impressive season of his career, and has no known injury issue.
While no more than speculation at the time of the announcement, Dalman may have decided to call time on his NFL career to protect his long-term health. As a son of former San Francisco 49er Chris Dalman, Drew grew up in an NFL family and is perhaps better placed than most to judge the longer-term health implications.
Going Out on a High
BREAKING: #Bears C Drew Dalman is retiring from the NFL at the age of 27, per @AdamSchefter.
He’s decided to hang it up after his 1st season in Chicago and his 1st pro bowl selection. pic.twitter.com/wVc8lFKlz5
— NFL Stats (@NFL_Stats) March 3, 2026
Selected by Atlanta with the 114th overall pick in the fourth round of the 2021 draft, Dalman signed a four-year rookie contract with the Falcons. Acting as backup in 2021, he earned the role as starting centre between 2022 and 2024. Having impressed in Atlanta, Dalman was targeted by a Bears outfit which set out to rebuild its offensive line in the 2025 offseason.
Heading to Soldier Field, Dalman signed a three-year $42 million contract on 13 March 2025. The 27-year-old proved to be worth every penny in his debut season for the Bears, with his performances earning him a first-career Pro Bowl selection. While not quite the Super Bowl ring most players dream of, Dalman departs having proven himself as one of the league’s genuinely elite centres.
Big Blow for Bears Following Bounce Back Year
Having successfully rebuilt their offensive line, the news leaves the Bears with a significant Dalman-shaped hole to fill. Following a 2024 season in which quarterback Caleb Johnson was sacked a league-high 68 times, the Bears set out to dramatically improve the protection afforded to their star asset. The acquisitions of Dalman and guards Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson sparked a huge turnaround in fortunes.
Having finished bottom of the league in terms of sacks allowed in 2024, the Bears gave up only 24 during the 2025 regular season – a total which placed them behind only the LA Rams and Denver Broncos. That stark improvement laid the foundation for a season in which the 11-6 Bears claimed the NFC North title for the first time since 2018 and won a postseason game for the first time since 2010.
Search for Replacement Begins Now
2025 represented a fine start for first-season head coach Ben Johnson, who improved the Bears from a 5-12, bottom of the NFC North, finish in 2024. The loss of Dalman certainly doesn’t undo all of that good work but does place pressure on the Bears to find a suitable replacement.
Following the news, thoughts naturally turned to who could fill the shoes of a man who played such a pivotal role in the Bears’ passing and running games. The rumour mill seems sure to throw up new names until a replacement centre enters the building, but the following trio appear to be among the early frontrunners:
Tyler Linderbaum
Three-time Pro Bowl selection Tyler Linderbaum is the most obvious option. The 2022 first-round draft pick has shone during his four seasons in Baltimore. However, with the Ravens facing salary cap pressure, he is set to enter free agency. He won’t be cheap, but if the Bears can find cap room, the 25-year-old should represent a seamless transition.
Connor McGovern
Three years older than Linderbaum, McGovern enjoyed a career-best year with the Bills in 2025. Affording excellent protection to Josh Allen and helping pave the way for the Bills’ number-one-ranked rushing offence, he also enters free agency due to cap limitations in Buffalo. At 28, he has less long-term upside than Linderbaum but would be a slightly cheaper option ready to slip straight into the offensive line.
Tyler Biadasz
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A solid operator over four seasons in Dallas and two in Washington, 28-year-old Biadasz was surprisingly released by the Commanders in late February. Reportedly already in Chicago, having been invited to visit the Bears, he may cost a similar sum to McGovern. While possibly not as natural a fit for the Bears’ blocking schemes, his ability to play both centre and guard counts in his favour.
Replacing a man who played every game and all 1,154 offensive snaps in 2025 is no easy task. However, if the Bears get this decision right, they are well placed to build on what was a huge step in the right direction in 2025.