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Bears Pro Bowl Center Drew Dalman Retires at 27, Forcing Urgent Search at Center

Chicago is pivoting to veteran options ahead of next week's free agency.

Overview

  • Dalman informed the Bears he is retiring after five NFL seasons, stepping away one year into a three-year, $42 million deal following a 2025 Pro Bowl season in which he played every snap and allowed one sack.
  • Chicago hosted free-agent center Tyler Biadasz for a visit, and multiple reports indicate the team has explored interest in three-time Pro Bowler Tyler Linderbaum.
  • Dalman’s exit is expected to provide roughly $10 million in salary-cap relief, giving the Bears added flexibility as they reshape offseason plans.
  • The vacancy at center compounds concerns at left tackle, where Ozzy Trapilo is expected to miss most of 2026 with a ruptured patellar tendon.
  • Free agency opens March 11 and the draft follows in late April, while no specific reason for Dalman’s decision has been disclosed; he departs with 74 career appearances and 57 starts.