ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports Bears C Drew Dalman will retire from the NFL after five seasons.

03 March 2026

Dalman had just landed a three-year, $42 million contract from the Bears last offseason, so this stunning move shakes up their interior line continuity badly. Dalman finished his lone season with the Bears with a 72.6 PFF offensive grade, his third year in a row rating as a quality center. He was named to the Pro Bowl for his efforts. This is a legitimate stunner — rarely do you see a 27-year-old stepping away in the prime of his career on a great contract. The Bears are now back on the center market after thinking they solved the position last offseason.