Drew Dalman Announces Retirement
Drew Dalman, a significant contributor to the Chicago Bears, has announced his retirement from the NFL at the age of 27, concluding a five-season career.
Dalman, who signed a three-year, $42 million contract with the Bears in 2025, earned Pro Bowl honors for the first time in 2026. His performance was instrumental in the Bears’ offensive line, which ranked No. 1 in pass block win rate at 74% and fifth in run block win rate.
During the 2025 season, Dalman started all 17 games and logged every single offensive snap of the 1,154 plays. His efforts helped the Bears achieve a top-three rushing attack, averaging nearly 150 yards per game.
Dalman was also a key player in the Bears’ NFC North championship run in 2026, solidifying his role as a vital asset to the team. “He’s the brains in all of it,” said teammate Caleb Williams, highlighting Dalman’s impact on the field.
Despite his success, Dalman has expressed a desire to move on from football altogether. “What I want to do most is add value to this team,” he stated, reflecting on his commitment during his time with the Bears.
With Dalman’s retirement, the Bears now face the challenge of filling a starting spot at center. This transition is significant as it could save the team $10 million or more against the salary cap.
The Bears are expected to target free agents to fill the center position, emphasizing the need for an aggressive and diligent approach in their search. “The Bears will have to be aggressive, diligent and urgent as they explore their options,” noted analysts following the announcement.
Dalman spent his first four seasons with the Atlanta Falcons before joining the Bears, where he made a notable impact on their offensive resurgence in 2025, helping them achieve a top-10 unit in total yardage and scoring.
As the Bears move forward, they will need to find a suitable replacement for Dalman during free agency, marking a new chapter for the team.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the specific plans the Bears will implement to address this vacancy.