Bears Eye Center in 2026 NFL Draft to Replace Retiring Pro Bowler

Chicago must find a long-term solution at the position after Drew Dalman's surprise retirement.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 12:07pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting an offensive line with fragmented, overlapping shapes in navy, orange, and green, conveying the complex challenge of rebuilding the Bears' offensive line.The Bears' offensive line faces a pivotal transition as the team seeks to rebuild around a new long-term center.Chicago Today

The Chicago Bears are in need of a new starting center after Pro Bowler Drew Dalman unexpectedly retired at age 27. The team signed Garrett Bradbury as a stopgap, but he's only under contract for one more season. The Bears will likely target a center in the 2026 NFL Draft, where analysts say the middle rounds could provide good value options like Iowa's Logan Jones, Texas A&M's Trey Zuhn, and Auburn's Connor Lew.

Why it matters

Continuity on the offensive line, especially at center, is crucial for the development of young quarterback Caleb Williams. The Bears can't afford to have a revolving door at the position, so finding a long-term solution in the draft is a top priority.

The details

Dalman's retirement left a big hole in the middle of the Bears' offensive line. While Bradbury is a capable veteran, he's only signed through the 2026 season and struggled with run blocking and pass protection last year. The Bears have limited draft capital, with just seven picks, but analysts believe the third to fifth rounds are the sweet spot to find a quality center prospect who can sit behind Bradbury for a year before taking over the starting job.

  • Drew Dalman, 27, unexpectedly retired in March 2026.
  • The Bears signed Garrett Bradbury, 31, to a one-year contract in April 2026.
  • The 2026 NFL Draft will take place in late April 2026.

The players

Drew Dalman

A 27-year-old Pro Bowl center who retired from the Chicago Bears in March 2026.

Garrett Bradbury

A 31-year-old veteran center signed by the Bears in April 2026 to a one-year contract as a stopgap solution.

Caleb Williams

The Bears' young starting quarterback whose development will be impacted by the team's ability to find a long-term solution at center.

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What they’re saying

“There's not a center in this class that you point to and say, okay, that's a top 50 pick. But the centers in that third round, fourth round, fifth round, there's more than a handful of those guys, and I think it comes down to what style of player you want.”

— Dane Brugler, NFL Draft Analyst, The Athletic

What’s next

The Bears will closely evaluate center prospects at the 2026 NFL Combine in March and continue scouting them ahead of the draft in late April.

The takeaway

The Bears must find a long-term solution at center in the 2026 NFL Draft to provide stability and continuity on the offensive line for their young quarterback Caleb Williams. While the center class may not have a top-tier prospect, the middle rounds could offer good value options the team can develop behind the veteran Garrett Bradbury.