A source familiar with the situation has confirmed that Chicago Bears center Drew Dalman has decided to step away from professional football following five years in the NFL, according to reports Tuesday.
The individual shared this information with The Associated Press while requesting anonymity since Dalman has not yet made a public statement regarding his future. ESPN was first to break this news.
At just 27 years old, Dalman became a cornerstone of Chicago’s offensive line after inking a substantial three-year, $42 million deal last March. The veteran center earned his inaugural Pro Bowl selection following four previous campaigns with the Atlanta Falcons and contributed to the Bears’ successful 11-6 season that captured the NFC North title.
Dalman distinguished himself as the sole Bears offensive player to take part in every snap this season, serving as a crucial component in the team’s line overhaul. Chicago also acquired All-Pro left guard Joe Thuney through a trade, brought in guard Jonah Jackson as a free agent, and selected Ozzy Trapilo in the draft, who later became the starting left tackle.
This enhanced offensive line protection enabled quarterback Caleb Williams to dramatically improve from his rookie campaign, when he endured a team-record 68 sacks that also led the league, to establishing a new Bears passing record with 3,942 yards in his sophomore season. With Dalman’s departure and Trapilo anticipated to miss significant time next season due to a torn patellar tendon suffered in the wild-card victory over Green Bay, Chicago faces two major gaps along their offensive line. The league’s free agency negotiation window opens Monday, with signings permitted starting March 11.
The Bears aim to continue their momentum from a remarkable season under first-year head coach Ben Johnson. The team claimed their first NFC North championship since 2018 and reached the playoffs for the first time in 15 years by defeating the Packers, though their postseason run ended with an overtime loss to the Los Angeles Rams.
