With $42.4 million in cap space, the Chicago Bears came into free agency ready to spend. Holes across the offensive line were addressed with trades for Jonah Jackson and Joe Thuney last week but the heavy lifting will begin with the NFL’s legal tampering window opening on Monday morning.
To the surprise of no one, the Bears were one of the first teams to strike when the window opened. The result was poaching an exciting starter from an NFC rival and another layer of protection as Caleb Williams gets ready to team with Ben Johnson next season.
Bears Sign Drew Dalman in Opening Moments of NFL Free Agency
According to multiple sources including ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Bears have agreed to terms with center Drew Dalman on a three-year, $42 million contract. The deal includes $28 million guaranteed and makes Dalman the NFL’s second-highest paid center.
Dalman was one of the best free agents on the market after four strong seasons with the Atlanta Falcons. Dalman spent three seasons as the Falcons’ starting center posting an overall grade of 65.9, 82.3 and 78.8 according to Pro Football Focus. Dalman was also the fifth-ranked center among qualifiers last season and is one of the best run-blocking centers in the league with a grade of 79.8.
This is music to the ears of Bears fans who have watched Ryan Poles overhaul his offensive line immediately this offseason. Jackson was acquired from the Los Angeles Rams for a 2025 sixth-round pick and Thuney was acquired for a 2026 fourth-round pick. With a potential contract extension for Thuney, the Bears already made a financial commitment to improve in the trenches before signing Dalman on Monday.
The main beneficiary should be Williams who completed 62.5% of his passes for 3,541 yards, 20 touchdowns and six interceptions but was sacked a league-high 68 times during his rookie season. With an offensive mastermind in his ear and an improved offensive line in front of him, Williams could take off in his second year, making Dalman an important signing early in free agency.