The Chicago Bears have been one of the most active teams of the offseason, even before free agency officially kicked off on Monday. They immediately targeted the offensive line as the biggest area of need and added three veteran starters to bolster the trenches. After trading for Jonah Jackson from the Rams and Joe Thuney from the Chiefs, the Bears broke the bank for top free agent center Drew Dalman, signing him to a three-year, $42 million deal on Monday.
While the Bears investing most of their resources in the offensive line is certainly noteworthy, one detail reported by CBS NFL insider Jonathan Jones makes the Dalman signing even more interesting. The former Falcons starter reportedly took less money to play under Ben Johnson in Chicago.
NFL Free Agency: Drew Dalman Took Less Money to Join the Bears
While the details of the other offer remains unidentified, a coveted free agent choosing to come to Chicago for less money highlights how Johnson was able to turn the Bears into a hot destination.
It has obviously not gone unnoticed how Johnson was able to build elite offenses in Detroit behind solid offensive line play. He has helped develop offensive linemen with the Lions and turn them into bona fide stars. It is understandable that someone like Dalman, with his football prime ahead of him, would want to work under Johnson to take that next step in his career.
The 26-year-old was already one of the best centers in the league last season, ranking as the fourth-best player in his position, per Pro Football Focus. Now, he will take over the starting role for a team desperate for consistent center play. He will have the new additions Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson on either side of him in the revamped offensive line. It is safe to say that Caleb Williams will be much better protected next season.