If you’ve been listening to the buzz around the Chicago Bears with less than 48 hours to go before the legal tampering period begins, one free agent has been connected to them more than any other. That is Drew Dalman, the center from the Atlanta Falcons. The former 4th round pick developed into a quality starter over the past couple of years. He’s 26 years old and in his prime. Chicago needs stability at center as they work to improve the situation around Caleb Williams. It is a natural connection to make.
However, one person isn’t entirely convinced that is where the Bears will go. Brandon Thorn of Bleacher Report is widely regarded as one of the top offensive line experts in the field. His tape studies are a must-watch every year. He released a list of connections he could see happening in free agency next week. Dalman is not the name he sees as a fit for the Bears. That spot is reserved for Ryan Kelly, the Indianapolis Colts’ four-time Pro Bowler.
Kelly is better than Drew Dalman but also older.
If this were four or five years ago, Kelly would be the unquestioned best center in this free agent class. Unfortunately, he turns 32 in May, which means there are questions about how much gas he has left in the tank. Players at his position tend to last no longer than their mid-30s. That means if the Bears were to sign him, he’d be a one or two-year stop-gap. Make no mistake. Kelly is a good player. He has allowed only 18 combined pressures in his last 858 snaps at center. On top of that, he has been a key cog in the Colts’ strong ground attack led by Jonathan Taylor.
Head coach Ben Johnson said he’s like an experienced name at center to help Caleb Williams. Nobody can deny Kelly fits that profile. He has been among the best in the NFL for several years. His power base would also mesh well with Johnson’s run-first attack. Drew Dalman may end up being the target because he’s younger. Still, this point by Thorn can’t be ignored. Perhaps the Bears see the same thing he does.
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