The Chicago Bears are expected to overhaul their offensive line during the 2025 offseason with all three of their interior starters set for free agency next week.
They will also need to figure out a plan for free agency that does not involve Kansas City Chiefs right guard Trey Smith, who was projected to be the top offensive line free agent before the Chiefs made plans to franchise tag him.
According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, though, the Bears already have another top free agent “on the radar” heading into the start of negotiations next week.
While emptying his notebook from the NFL Scouting Combine, Fowler confirmed the Bears have an interest in signing Atlanta Falcons center Drew Dalman, who is set to become the top available center in free agency without an extension.
“The sense is Chicago will sign at least one interior offensive lineman,” Fowler wrote. “Drew Dalman, 49ers guard Aaron Banks and Colts guard Will Fries are among players on the radar. Like Dalman, Banks and Fries are in line for sizable contracts. Guards dominated free agency last year and will do well once again.”
Dalman stands to do quite well in his first dip into NFL free agency.
The former fourth-round pick has developed into one of the best run-blocking centers in the league, proving as much in 2024 despite an ankle injury robbing him of eight games 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.
Dalman is also still just 26 years old, meaning the conditions are right for him to push for top-five money at the position — or at least $12 million annually.
The Bears will have the money to meet Dalman’s price tag regardless of where he sets it with $79.4 million in projected cap space, but they must decide what he is worth to them. Frank Ragnow makes $13.5 million per year as the second-highest-paid center, and Dalman might just push for that given the market.
To keep quarterback Caleb Williams safe, though, the Bears cannot afford to be cheap — especially after several misfires at the position in recent seasons.
