Former Falcons Center Drew Dalman Expected to Retire

Dalman spent four seasons with Atlanta before signing with the Bears in 2025.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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Former Atlanta Falcons center Drew Dalman has informed the Chicago Bears that he is retiring from the NFL at the age of 27. Dalman was drafted by the Falcons in the fourth round of the 2021 NFL Draft out of Stanford and spent his full rookie contract with the team, making 40 starts over four seasons. After a strong 2025 season with the Bears, in which he was named to the Pro Bowl, Dalman has decided to step away from the game.

Why it matters

Dalman's retirement at a relatively young age is notable, as he was considered one of the top centers in the league after his standout 2025 campaign with the Bears. His departure leaves a hole on the Chicago offensive line, which was a key factor in the team's success last season.

The details

Dalman was drafted by the Falcons in 2021 and spent four seasons with the team, making 57 appearances and 40 starts. In 2022 and 2023, he played 100% and 99% of the Falcons' offensive snaps, respectively. His final season in Atlanta was cut short due to an ankle injury. Dalman then signed a three-year, $42 million contract with the Bears as a free agent last offseason, and went on to earn a Pro Bowl selection after allowing just one sack all season.

  • Dalman was drafted by the Falcons in the fourth round of the 2021 NFL Draft.
  • Dalman spent four seasons with the Falcons from 2021 to 2024.
  • Dalman signed a three-year, $42 million contract with the Bears as a free agent in 2025.
  • Dalman earned a Pro Bowl selection after the 2025 season with the Bears.

The players

Drew Dalman

A former center who was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in 2021 and spent four seasons with the team before signing with the Chicago Bears in 2025, where he had a Pro Bowl season before deciding to retire at age 27.

Ryan Neuzil

The Falcons' starting center in 2025 who backed up Dalman the previous year.

Ryan Poles

The general manager of the Chicago Bears who signed Dalman as a free agent in 2025.

Caleb Williams

The Bears' quarterback who saw his sack total drop from 68 in 2024 to 24 in 2025 behind Dalman and the improved offensive line.

Joe Thuney

An offensive lineman the Bears traded for last offseason as part of their offensive line overhaul.

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What they’re saying

“As our pro staff puts our free agent board together, I often, throughout the season, take a peek at it as I forecast forward. (Dalman's) name popped up. I put his tape on. And he was definitely at the very, very top of our list.”

— Ryan Poles, Bears general manager (statenews.net)

The takeaway

Dalman's retirement at a relatively young age is a surprising development, as he had established himself as one of the top centers in the league after a standout 2025 season with the Bears. His departure leaves a hole on the Chicago offensive line, which will need to be addressed in the offseason.