Bears Pro Bowl Center Drew Dalman Retires After Five Seasons
Chicago Bears center Drew Dalman is retiring after five NFL seasons, creating a significant roster gap following their first NFC North title since 2018.
Chicago Bears center Drew Dalman, a Pro Bowl selection in his first year with the team, is retiring after five NFL seasons, a person with knowledge of the decision told The Associated Press on Tuesday.
The 27-year-old Dalman signed a $42 million, three-year contract last March and immediately became a cornerstone of the Bears' offensive line overhaul. He was the only Bears player to appear in every offensive snap this season.
Dalman's arrival marked a turning point for Chicago's protection scheme. The Bears complemented the signing by trading for All-Pro left guard Joe Thuney, signing guard Jonah Jackson, and drafting left tackle Ozzy Trapilo, who claimed the starting role during the season.
The impact was immediate. Quarterback Caleb Williams went from being sacked a franchise-record and league-leading 68 times as a rookie to setting a Bears mark by throwing for 3,942 yards in his second year.
Now the Bears face a major roster hole. Trapilo tore the patellar tendon in his left knee during the wild-card playoff win against Green Bay and is expected to miss most of next season. Combined with Dalman's retirement, Chicago must rebuild two critical positions on its interior line.
The timing is critical. The NFL's free agent negotiating period begins Monday, with players allowed to sign deals starting March 11.
Despite the losses, the Bears are building momentum. Coach Ben Johnson's first year delivered the franchise's first NFC North title since 2018 and a playoff appearance—Chicago's first in 15 years—before losing to the Los Angeles Rams in overtime.
