The Green Bay Packers are going to have a new center in 2026. Elgton Jenkins, a two-time Pro Bowl selection at left guard, is widely expected to be released by the team. Green Bay can save nearly $20 million by cutting Jenkins this off-season, and Sean Rhyan, who filled in for Jenkins when he broke his leg, is set to become an unrestricted free agent.
As it turns out, the Packers are not going to be the only NFC North team in need of a new center. Just a few minutes ago, it was reported that Chicago Bears center Drew Dalman, made the shocking decision to retire from the NFL after just five seasons. He is 27 years old.
ESPN sources: Bears Pro Bowl center Drew Dalman has informed the team that he is retiring from the NFL at age 27. Dalman left Stanford in 2021, and after four seasons in Atlanta and one in Chicago, he has made the sudden and surprising decision to retire. pic.twitter.com/SKJcXa1res
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 3, 2026
With Dalman now not part of Chicago’s equation going forward, one has to wonder if Jenkins could end up heading to Green Bay’s division rival.
Green Bay Packers star Elgton Jenkins could sign with the Chicago Bears
Jan 12, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Green Bay Packers guard Elgton Jenkins (74) walks off the field with an injury against the Philadelphia Eagles in an NFC wild card game at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
Jenkins, of course, could sign with Chicago as a bit of revenge against Green Bay. Not only are they [probably] going to release him, but they also refused to restructure his contract after they forced him to switch positions. He was not happy with the Packers last off-season amid the position change, and one could see him signing with the Bears to get back at them.
That being said, Chicago already appears to be ahead of the game when it comes to signing a new center. According to reports, they already are having former Wisconsin Badgers center Tyler Biadasz in for a visit:
The #Bears are hosting free agent center Tyler Biadasz on a visit, source said. The former #Commanders starter was recently released and now is available before the frenzy begins. pic.twitter.com/83dx8sec4X
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 3, 2026
This could be problematic for the Packers because, with Jenkins likely being cut, Biadasz was named as a possible replacement for him in Green Bay.
The good news, though, is that Chicago is currently well over the 2026 salary cap and would have to make a flurry of roster moves in order to sign Biadasz before free agency begins. They could, of course, do that, but whether or not they will or explore other options when free agency starts remains to be seen.
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