The Chicago Bears experienced much better offensive line play in 2025, improving from the most sacks allowed (37) in 2024 to just 13 last season. In fact, Pro Football Focus rated the Bears as the NFL's third-best offensive line, ranking third with an 87.7 pass-blocking efficiency rating, further proving just how effective an overhaul Chicago made this past offseason.
That is what made Tuesday's shocking retirement from center Drew Dalman such a major blow for the team, leaving a significant hole to fill for someone who still had two years remaining of his three-year, $42 million deal, after allowing only one sack the entire 2025 season. Despite the timing of this decision leaving the Bears squarely behind the 8-ball, help could be on the way after a recent development from the Dallas Cowboys.
According to NFL insider Jordan Schultz, the Cowboys "are not planning to tender C/G Brock Hoffman as an RFA, making him an unrestricted free agent." Hoffman, who is just 26 years old, has started 14 games over the last two seasons and should invoke some real interest from teams as someone who can provide depth at the C and G positions.
Brock Hoffman Could Be a Worthy Replacement for Drew Dalman
Hoffman was undrafted by the Cleveland Browns in 2022, but he put together some solid seasons during his time with the Cowboys. Over the last two seasons alone, he has played a total of 991 snaps. Much like Dalman, Hoffman has been a force in pass protection, only committing two penalties and allowing one sack last season.
According to Pro Football Focus, Hoffman's overall grade of 56 ranked 34th out of 40 qualified centers, while his 58.4 pass blocking grade ranked 32nd, with his run blocking grade (56.9) ranking 34th.
These advanced metrics shouldn't be the be-all, end-all when it comes to evaluating a player, but Hoffman's rankings are certainly not eye-popping by any means. However, when you consider the lineman is only 26 years old, coupled with how well he has played for Dallas the last two seasons, the level of efficiency and depth he can provide to this offensive line cannot be understated after the loss of Dalman.
Furthermore, Ryan Bates, now listed on Chicago's depth chart as its new starting center, is entering free agency, creating even more urgency for the Bears to find some more depth. Recently-released Detroit Lions offensive lineman Graham Glasgow could be a potential replacement, as well. Local product Ethan Pocic would certainly welcome the opportunity after spending the last few seasons with the Cleveland Browns.
After signing a one-year, $1.1 million deal with the Cowboys ahead of the 2025 season, the Bears will likely not have to go out of their way to beat competition to sign Hoffman if they feel that he is a viable fit on the OL. Improving one of the league's worst scoring defenses was the priority coming into the offseason, but with Dalman's sudden retirement decision, they are faced with another dilemma.
To put it plainly, Chicago has plenty of options to address its OL depth. But if the Bears want to bring in someone with plenty of upside, Hoffman might be the guy after his improvements over the last two seasons.