The Chicago Bears will have to find a new center for the second season in a row. Drew Dalman, the team’s prized free agent acquisition from a year ago, has decided to retire at just 27 years old, according to multiple reports. The Bears signed Dalman away from the Atlanta Falcons to a three-year deal worth up to $42 million with $28 million guaranteed last March.
Dalman exceeded lofty expectations in 2025, starting every game and solidifying a position that had struggled in prior years. Along with Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson, Dalman anchored a stout interior of the line, allowing just one sack and one QB hit.
With Dalman retiring after just one year in Chicago, the Bears will need to pivot to find their next center. But the news of Dalman’s retirement left NFL fans stunned. Here is how social media reacted to the shocking news.
NFL world reacts to Bears center Drew Dalman retirement news
This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: NFL world reacts to Bears center Drew Dalman retirement news
Reporting by Brendan Sugrue, Bears Wire / Bears Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
