Drew Dalman Announces Retirement
Drew Dalman, a prominent center in the NFL, has announced his retirement at the age of 27 after a successful five-season career. His retirement comes shortly after a standout year with the Chicago Bears, where he signed a three-year, $42 million contract in 2025.
Dalman earned Pro Bowl honors for the first time in his career in 2025, marking a significant achievement in his professional journey. He started all 17 games for the Bears during the 2025 season, showcasing his durability and skill on the field.
Throughout the 2025 season, Dalman was instrumental in the Bears’ offensive line, which ranked No. 1 in pass block win rate at 74% and fifth in run block win rate, also at 74%. His performance helped reduce quarterback Caleb Williams’ sack total from 68 in 2024 to just 24 in 2025, highlighting his impact on the team’s success.
Dalman logged every single offensive snap of the 1,154 plays in the 2025 season, further demonstrating his commitment and reliability as a player. His contributions were not only recognized by fans but also by his teammates, including Caleb Williams, who referred to him as “the brains in all of it.”
As Dalman steps away from the game, the Chicago Bears face the challenge of filling the center position he has held. The team will also need to consider finding a left tackle due to injuries sustained during the previous season.
Dalman spent his first four seasons with the Atlanta Falcons before joining the Bears, where he made a significant impact. His retirement leaves a notable gap in the Bears’ offensive line, which will require strategic planning in the upcoming offseason.
“I don’t think there’s any sense that we’ve finished building anything,” Dalman stated, reflecting on his time with the Bears and the team’s future prospects.
The Bears will now be in the market for a center and possibly a left tackle this offseason, as they look to maintain their competitive edge in the league.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the Bears’ plans to address these key positions in the wake of Dalman’s retirement.
