The Chicago Bears are expected to revamp their offensive line during the 2025 offseason with all three of their interior starters heading for free agency next week.
They will also need to devise a plan for free agency that doesn’t involve Kansas City Chiefs right guard Trey Smith, who was considered the top offensive line free agent before the Chiefs decided to franchise tag him.
According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, however, the Bears already have another top free agent “on the radar” as they enter the start of negotiations next week.
While sharing notes from the NFL Scouting Combine, Fowler confirmed that the Bears have shown interest in signing Atlanta Falcons center Drew Dalman, who is poised to become the top available center in free agency if he doesn’t receive an extension.
“The sense is Chicago will sign at least one interior offensive lineman,” Fowler wrote. “Dalman, 49ers guard Aaron Banks, and Colts guard Will Fries are among the players on their radar. Like Dalman, Banks and Fries are expected to receive significant contracts. Guards dominated free agency last year and are expected to do well again.”
Dalman is expected to have a lucrative free agency.
The former fourth-round pick has emerged as one of the best run-blocking centers in the league, proving his worth in 2024 despite missing eight games with an ankle injury for the Falcons. According to Pro Football Focus, he earned top-five grades overall (78.8) and as a run-blocker (79.8) among centers.
At just 26 years old, Dalman is well-positioned to demand top-five money at the position—likely around $12 million annually.
The Bears will have the cap space to meet Dalman’s asking price, with $79.4 million in projected cap space, but they will need to assess how much he’s worth to them. Frank Ragnow earns $13.5 million annually as the second-highest-paid center, and Dalman could aim for that level given the market.
To protect quarterback Caleb Williams, the Bears can’t afford to be cheap—especially after several past mistakes at the position.
