The Chicago Bears heavily invested in the offensive line last offseason, but they'll now be looking for a starting center once again.
ESPN's Adam Schefter reported Tuesday that Bears center Drew Dalman is retiring from the NFL after just five seasons, as the former fourth-round pick has made a surprising decision to step away from the league.
Dalman was named a Pro Bowler for the first time just around a month ago, and he was only one year into a $42 million deal he signed with Chicago last offseason.
Here's what to know about Dalman's shocking decision to retire from the NFL.
MORE:Ranking the NFL's best free-agent QBs
Why is Drew Dalman retiring?
There weren't any public hints of Dalman's retirement, but Schefter reported Tuesday that the offensive lineman "has made the sudden and surprising decision to retire."
Dalman has not yet released a statement on his retirement or the reasoning behind it, but his decision leaves the Bears suddenly needing a starting center heading into free agency.
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
In 2025, Dalman was a significant part of a Bears offensive line that helped the team rank third in the NFL with 144.5 rushing yards per game. The center was named a Pro Bowl selection for the first time in his career.
Last spring, Chicago used its opening months with Ben Johnson as head coach to invest in its offensive line, trading for both Jonah Jackson and Joe Thuney while signing Dalman in free agency. Now, Johnson will be looking for a new center with Dalman's abrupt retirement.
Caleb Williams reacted to the news on Tuesday, appearing to use his nickname for Dalman:
🥲 Hulk…
— Caleb Williams (@CALEBcsw) March 3, 2026
Per Ian Rapoport, the Bears are also now hosting free-agent center Tyler Biadasz on a visit following Dalman's retirement.
FREE AGENCY:Ranking top 100 free agents, best players available by position
How old is Drew Dalman?
Drew Dalman is 27 years old and will turn 28 on Oct. 15, 2026.
His relatively young age is part of the surprise behind his retirement decision, along with the fact that he was just one year into a three-year, $42 million contract he signed with Chicago last offseason.
Drew Dalman college
Dalman was a fourth-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft by the Atlanta Falcons after spending the 2017-20 NCAA seasons at Stanford.
After being a three-star recruit coming out of high school in California, Dalman committed to the Cardinal, and he would play four years for the team as a longtime starter.
In his 2020 senior season, Dalman didn't allow a single pressure, being named a first-team All-Pac 12 selection after being a second-team selection in 2019.
MORE: Sporting News' 2-round mock draft
Drew Dalman career timeline
Atlanta Falcons, 2021-24
With the 114th overall pick in the 2021 draft, the Falcons selected Dalman out of Stanford. He went on to play his full rookie contract with Atlanta.
By 2022, Dalman was the Falcons' starting center after being a backup as a rookie. When he hit the open market in the 2025 offseason, he was one of the top centers available in free agency.
Chicago Bears, 2025-26
In March 2025, the Bears continued to add to their offensive line by signing Dalman to a three-year, $42 million contract. He joined Thuney and Jackson as Chicago's offensive line additions under new head coach Ben Johnson.
Dalman enjoyed a strong first year with the Bears, helping lead one of the NFL's top rushing attacks while protecting Caleb Williams, allowing just one sack and 21 pressures.
Dalman was named a Pro Bowl selection in his first year with Chicago, and he appeared set to be a member of the team's 2026 offensive line until his shocking retirement decision on Tuesday.
Is Drew Dalman related to Chris Dalman?
Yes, Drew Dalman is related to former San Francisco 49ers offensive lineman Chris Dalman; Drew is Chris' son.
By attending Stanford before going to the NFL, Drew followed in his father's footsteps.