The Chicago Bears are setting the stage for a reinforced front line with the addition of free agent center Drew Dalman, who inked a three-year contract worth $42 million, as ESPN's Adam Schefter first reported. The deal, which includes $28 million guaranteed, secures Dalman's position as one of the NFL's highest-paid centers, second only to the top earner at his position. This news comes in the wake of the Bears' aggressive offseason moves orchestrated by general manager Ryan Poles, aimed to strengthen the team's offensive line. Details on the agreement were confirmed by Schefter, with the ABC7 Chicago and WGN-TV coverage aligning on the financial terms.
Dalman's transition to the Bears follows a series of moves to revamp the team's interior offensive line. The franchise had previously acquired guards Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson, signaling a determination to quickly bolster the offense. Chicago's latest acquisition leaves them with less financial flexibility, yet still armed with enough cap space to consider additional improvements. According to Sportstrac, the Bears entered the week with $37.7 million in cap space, placing them 18th in the league. The offensive line will likely remain in the spotlight as Poles and new head coach Ben Johnson continue to strategize for the upcoming draft.
During his tenure with the Falcons, Drew Dalman established himself as a formidable presence on the field. Drafted in the fourth round out of Stanford in 2021, he wasted no time in earning a reputation as a reliable starter. His impact was measurable; notably, Atlanta running back Bijan Robinson's performance significantly improved upon Dalman's return from injury last season, with his rush EPA jumping to the highest in the NFL over the final six weeks. Dalman's ability to minimize pressure on the quarterback, evidenced by allowing just 13 pressures and two sacks in 2024, factored heavily in his market appeal. His consistency and proficiency earned him accolades from Pro Football Focus, ranking him fourth among centers in 2024 and second the prior year.
With Dalman at the helm, the offensive line in Chicago is poised to undergo a significant transformation. The upcoming season will showcase whether these strategic acquisitions can indeed elevate the Bears' performance, allowing them to gain ground in a fiercely competitive league. The decision to aggressively invest in offensive linemen puts the Bears in a position to either continue reinforcing their line or turn their attention to the defensive side during the draft. The legal tampering period, which kicked off at 11 a.m., opens up a window for teams to negotiate with unrestricted free agents and is sure to bring more changes to the NFL landscape, as teams like the Bears look to strategically navigate the free agency waters.
