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In a shocking development, the Chicago Bears will need a new starting center.
Drew Dalman, who was the key free agent signing in the 2025 offseason that helped reshape the Bears' offensive line, will reportedly retire, according to ESPN.
Dalman steps away from the game at 27.
What we know:
Last offseason, after trading for Jonah Jackson and Joe Thuney, Dalman was the final piece to the puzzle for an offensive line that helped the Bears establish running back D'Andre Swift's career high in rush yards and protected quarterback Caleb Williams as he set the franchise record for passing yards in a single season.
In 2024, the Bears allowed 68 sacks. In 2025, the Bears allowed just 24.
Dalman entered the NFL Draft in 2021 after playing college football at Stanford. He signed a three-year, $42 million contract as the Bears' starting center after four seasons in Atlanta. After just one in Chicago, where he was a Pro Bowler, he made the sudden decision to retire.
This story will be updated
BearsSports