Chicago Bears Pro Bowl Center Drew Dalman Retiring After Five NFL Seasons

Chicago, IL — The Chicago Bears will begin the 2026 league year without the anchor of their offensive line, as Pro Bowl center Drew Dalman has decided to retire after five NFL seasons, according to a person with knowledge of the decision who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the 27-year-old has yet to make a public announcement. ESPN first reported the news Tuesday.

Dalman, who signed a three-year, $42 million contract with Chicago last March, started every offensive snap for the Bears in 2025 and earned his first career Pro Bowl nod. After spending his first four seasons with the Atlanta Falcons, he quickly became the stabilizing force inside a retooled Chicago front that helped quarterback Caleb Williams rebound from a league-high 68 sacks as a rookie to a franchise-record 3,942 passing yards in his second season.

The Bears’ commitment to rebuilding the offensive line did not stop with Dalman. General manager Ryan Poles traded for All-Pro left guard Joe Thuney, signed veteran guard Jonah Jackson and drafted Boston College tackle Ozzy Trapilo, who emerged as the starting left tackle as a rookie. The revamped unit helped Chicago capture the NFC North crown at 11-6, the franchise’s first division title since 2018, and secure a playoff victory over Green Bay before falling to the Los Angeles Rams in overtime.

Now, with Dalman stepping away and Trapilo expected to miss most of next season after tearing the patellar tendon in his left knee during the wild-card win over the Packers, the Bears face two significant vacancies up front. The NFL’s free-agent negotiating window opens Monday, with contracts permitted to be signed beginning March 11.

Chicago is coming off a breakthrough campaign in head coach Ben Johnson’s first season at the helm, and the front office will be under pressure to maintain continuity for Williams as the team targets another postseason run.

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