Bears' Drew Dalman Reportedly Retires from NFL at Age 27 After Signing $42M Contract

Drew Dalman reportedly is calling it a career.

Per ESPN's Adam Schefter, the center told the Chicago Bears on Tuesday that he is retiring from the NFL. The 27-year-old spent four seasons with the Atlanta Falcons and one year with the Bears.

Dalman spent four seasons at Stanford before being selected by the Falcons in the fourth round of the 2021 NFL draft. He spent his rookie season as a backup in Atlanta but earned the starting role in 2022.

After four seasons in Atlanta, Dalman signed a three-year, $42 million contract with the Bears ahead of the 2025 season.

The contract proved to be a worthwhile investment for Chicago, as Dalman allowed just one sack and 21 pressures while earning his first Pro Bowl nod. The Bears' offensive line as a unit allowed just 24 sacks after giving up 68 in 2024.

Behind a much-improved offensive line, the Bears finished the 2025 campaign 11-6 and won their first playoff game since 2010. Quarterback Caleb Williams threw for 3,942 yards and 27 touchdowns, and Chicago posted the sixth-most yards per game (369.2) and the ninth-most points per game (25.9).

Dalman's retirement obviously leaves the Bears in a bit of a bind this offseason as they'll look to replace him at center. Chicago could look to add a top name like Tyler Linderbaum, but might instead opt for a more budget-friendly option.

Unfortunately for the Bears, center isn't the only position they need to fill on the offensive line, as left tackle Ozzy Trapilo is expected to miss most of the 2026 campaign because of a knee injury he suffered in the playoffs.