Bears Pro Bowl C Drew Dalman to Retire at Age 27

Chicago center leaves after one Pro Bowl season and three-year, $42 million contract

Mar. 4, 2026 at 3:25am

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Chicago Bears center Drew Dalman is retiring at age 27 after just one Pro Bowl season with the team. Dalman signed a three-year, $42 million contract with the Bears last offseason after four years with the Atlanta Falcons. The Bears also bolstered their offensive line by trading for guards Jonah Jackson and Joe Thuney.

Why it matters

Dalman's retirement at a young age is surprising, as he was considered one of the top centers in the league after making the Pro Bowl in 2025. The Bears will now need to find a replacement for the key offensive line position as they look to build on their NFC North division title and playoff win in 2025.

The details

Dalman started all 17 regular-season games and two playoff games for the Bears in 2025, playing 100% of the 1,154 offensive snaps. He had started his last 40 games across three seasons in Atlanta after appearing in 17 as a reserve as a rookie in 2021. Dalman was limited to 14 games in 2023 and only nine in 2024 due to ankle injuries.

  • Dalman signed a three-year, $42 million contract with the Bears in March 2025.
  • Dalman made the Pro Bowl in 2025, his first season with the Bears.
  • Dalman is retiring at age 27 according to multiple reports on Tuesday, March 4, 2026.

The players

Drew Dalman

A 27-year-old center who spent his first four NFL seasons with the Atlanta Falcons before signing a three-year, $42 million contract with the Chicago Bears in 2025 and making the Pro Bowl that season.

Ben Johnson

The first-year head coach of the Chicago Bears in 2025, who led the team to an NFC North division title and a playoff win.

Jonah Jackson

A guard who was traded to the Chicago Bears to bolster their offensive line in 2025.

Joe Thuney

A guard who was traded to the Chicago Bears to bolster their offensive line in 2025 and also made the Pro Bowl that season.

Creed Humphrey

The Kansas City Chiefs center who had the highest average annual salary for a center in the NFL at the time of Drew Dalman's contract signing with the Bears.

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What they’re saying

“Chicago is hosting veteran center Tyler Biadasz, recently released by the Washington Commanders.”

— NFL Network

What’s next

The Bears will need to find a replacement for Dalman at the center position as they look to build on their successful 2025 season.

The takeaway

Dalman's sudden retirement at age 27 after just one Pro Bowl season is surprising, and it leaves the Bears with a hole to fill on their offensive line as they try to build on their division title and playoff win in 2025.