The Green Bay Packers enter NFL free agency with plans to strengthen their roster and improve their Super Bowl chances in 2026. General manager Brian Gutekunst and the front office face several priorities this offseason, starting with the defensive secondary after its struggles throughout the 2025 campaign. In addition, Green Bay needs to add depth at quarterback and running back by securing reliable backups at both spots.
Beyond those priorities, Green Bay can still look to upgrade other spots on the roster. With that in mind, the Packers caught a break ahead of free agency, and the development came at the expense of NFC North rival Chicago Bears.
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
ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter reported that Bears center Drew Dalman has chosen to retire at 27, a surprising move for Chicago ahead of 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,” Schefter wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
Packers catch a break with the Bears unexpected loss
Oct 19, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears center Drew Dalman (52) practices against the New Orleans Saints before the game at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike Dinovo-Imagn Images
While Chicago now faces the challenge of replacing a key piece like Dalman on its offensive line, the Packers benefit from an NFC North rival absorbing a significant loss. Without Dalman anchoring the middle, the Bears could struggle to protect Caleb Williams and keep their offense operating smoothly next season.
Last season brought the rivalry between the two NFC North teams back into full view, with both sides entering games believing they can compete for the top of the division. Each roster features high level talent, and the edge between them is obvious. That friction carries over to the sidelines, where Bears head coach Ben Johnson has shown little warmth toward Packers head coach Matt LaFleur.
Jan 10, 2026; Chicago, IL, USA; Green Bay Packers head coach Matt Lafleur walks off the field after an NFC Wild Card Round game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark Hoffman/USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images
Given how things played out a year ago, it would not be surprising if LaFleur feels that same resentment, adding another layer of intensity to every meeting.
Following Green Bay’s Wild Card disappointment, which saw the Packers squander a 21-3 advantage at the break against Chicago, the wait for the 2026 season already feels too long.