The Chicago Bears were dealt a shocking blow when center Drew Dalman informed them he’s retiring from the NFL after five seasons, leaving a massive hole along their rebuilt offensive line.
While left tackle was already a big need, with Ozzy Trapilo expected to miss most of the 2026 season, center now becomes a massive need, as well. There’s a big hole left by Dalman, who served as the centerpiece of one of the league’s best offensive lines. But there will be options to replace him both in free agency and the 2026 NFL Draft, which is expected to be a deep class.
But with free agency less than a week away, let’s take a look at three potential veteran replacements for Dalman, including a top free agent that’s already garnering interest from the Bears.
Tyler Linderbaum
Tyler Linderbaum is the top free agent center available heading into free agency. Linderbaum, a former first-round pick in 2022, was a four-year starter who missed just two games en route to three Pro Bowl nods (2023-25). Linderbaum graded out as the fifth-best center by Pro Football Focus, a few spots ahead of Dalman. While the Baltimore Ravens want to retain the three-time Pro Bowler with what would be a record-setting deal, there’s a chance Linderbaum hits free agency. But Chicago would have to dole out a hefty pay day to land Linderbaum and beat out other teams in need of a center. According to Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer, the Bears have “sniffed around” Linderbaum, so they’re definitely at least considering the option.
Tyler Biadasz
If the Bears don’t want to wait until free agency, Tyler Biadasz is available to sign now after his recent release by the Washington Commanders as a salary cap casualty. Biadasz, a former fourth-round pick in 2020, spent his first four seasons with the Dallas Cowboys, which included earning a Pro Bowl nod in 2022. He spent the last two seasons with the Washington Commanders, where he’s served as Jayden Daniel’s center. Biadasz was the 12th-best center, according to Pro Football Focus, which ranks just a few spots below Dalman. He was a solid run blocker (12th best) and pass blocker (15th). Chicago has wasted no time exploring the option of signing Biadasz, who they’re hosting for a visit this week, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
Connor McGovern
While Linderbaum is the top free agent center on the market, Connor McGovern should also be highly-sought after. McGovern, a former third-round pick in 2019, spent his first three seasons with the Dallas Cowboys before signing with the Buffalo Bills, where he’s served as the team’s starting center since 2024. McGovern was the 10th-best center, per Pro Football Focus, and he’s a solid blocker all around both in the run game and pass protection, earning top 15 marks in both. McGovern has not allowed a sack since 2023. Like Linderbaum, McGovern won’t come cheap, and the Bears would also face stiff competition for his services.
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This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: 3 free agent centers for Bears after Drew Dalman retires
Reporting by Alyssa Barbieri, Bears Wire / Bears Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
