The Chicago Bears might have to make a change of plans before the 2026 NFL Draft.
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Going into the offseason, the Bears knew they needed to add a left tackle after Ozzy Trapilo suffered a knee injury that is expected to keep him out for most of the 2026 season.
The Bears could add a left tackle in free agency or draft help in the first round.
However, Chicago has a pressing need at center.
Per ESPN’s Adam Schefter, center Drew Dalman is retiring.
ESPN sources: Bears Pro Bowl center Drew Dalman has informed the team that he is retiring from the NFL at age 27,” Schefter posted on X. “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.
“The Bears signed Drew Dalman to a three-year, $42M contract last offseason, and he turned in a Pro Bowl season, starting all 17 games and playing all 1,154 offensive snaps. And now he makes the stunning decision to step away.”
The Bears signed Drew Dalman to a three-year, $42M contract last offseason, and he turned in a Pro Bowl season, starting all 17 games and playing all 1,154 offensive snaps.
And now he makes the stunning decision to step away. https://t.co/fqtBCq5ewX
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 3, 2026
Drew Dalman’s retirement causes problems for Chicago Bears
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Last offseason, the Bears addressed the interior portion of the offensive line, trading for Jonah Jackson and Joe Thuney at guard. Center, which had been an issue for Chicago for a few seasons, appeared to be fixed for the long-term with the Bears signed Dalman, a free agent from the Atlanta Falcons.
Dalman was a fifth-round pick by the Falcons in 2021. He earned his first Pro Bowl appearance in 2025. He started in all 17 games for Chicago last season.
Dalman appeared in 74 games and started in 57 during his five years in the league.
Per Pro Football Focus, Dalman was graded as the No. 6 center for 2025.
Carmen Vitali of Fox Sports added context to the decision, saying Dalman made an informed choice to exit the league early.
“Drew’s dad was a player and a coach,” she posted on X. “He’s seen first-hand life after football and the effects the game can have. If anyone is going to make an informed decision on when it’s time to hang ‘em up, it’s Drew. Happy for him. Sad for the Bears.”
It’ll be interesting to see how the Bears address their needs after Dalman’s retirement. Like in previous years, Chicago has holes all over the trenches.
Chicago Bears working quick to replace starter on offensive line
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