The Chicago Bears are suddenly facing a gap in the heart of their offensive line. Center Drew Dalman is expected to retire from the NFL after five seasons, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported Tuesday.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter first reported that Dalman had informed the team of his decision to step away from football.
To fill the potential void, Chicago is hosting Tyler Biadasz — recently released by the Washington Commanders — for a visit, Rapoport added. Biadasz is one of several options the Bears may explore, but protecting quarterback Caleb Williams remains a top priority. Last year’s free-agent acquisitions aimed to strengthen the trenches, and the team is expected to be thorough in identifying Dalman’s replacement.
Dalman, 27, played a central role in Chicago’s offensive line transformation last season. He signed a three-year deal to join newcomers Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson, and the revamped line delivered immediate results. Rookie quarterback Williams went from taking a league-high 68 sacks in his first year to just 24 in 2025. Pro Football Focus graded the Bears’ line as the third-best unit in the NFL, with Dalman earning his first Pro Bowl nod while ranking as the sixth-best center overall (77.5) and seventh-best run blocker at the position (78.9).
Dalman started every regular-season game and both playoff contests in 2025, making his decision to retire a significant blow to Chicago’s interior line.
A fourth-round pick by the Atlanta Falcons in 2021, Dalman finishes his career with 74 appearances and 57 starts, leaving behind a reputation as a reliable and technically proficient center.
