Bears Named ‘Best Fit’ for Projected $45 Million Free-Agent Center

The Chicago Bears are widely expected to make significant investments in their offensive trenches during the 2025 NFL offseason, and it is no mystery why.

Bears quarterback Caleb Williams was sacked 68 times during his 2024 rookie season, which tied for the third-most in NFL history. The team’s rushing offense also finished in the bottom fourth of the league, averaging 102 yards per game.

While other factors contributed to both problems, the lackluster play from the Bears’ offensive line was at the forefront of their struggles on offense, and that makes finding better linemen a necessity heading into Williams’ second year.

Good thing then that Atlanta Falcons center Drew Dalman is set to be available.

ESPN’s Matt Bowen recently named the Bears as the “best fit” to sign Dalman to his next contract in 2025 NFL free agency, arguing that they could pursue him while also keeping a bigger fish – such as guard Trey Smith – in their sights.

“Dalman wins his assignments with movement and leverage to offset a smaller frame (6-3, 300 pounds),” Bowen wrote. “He’s a technician on the tape, best suited for the zone run game, and his pass block win rate of 95.1% ranked ninth among centers with at least 500 snaps (he missed time due to an ankle injury, though).” The dots connect well enough between Dalman and the Bears. The Bears will need a new starting center with veteran Coleman Shelton bound for free agency and unlikely to return after a disappointing 2024 season. They also have the funds to spend top dollar on multiple positions of need with Over the Cap estimating them to have $79.7 million in cap space in 2025.

Meanwhile, Dalman may like the prospect of playing in Chicago if Atlanta does not retain him. He would have a clear starting job on a team with a franchise quarterback and a newly hired offensive guru as head coach – not to mention the Bears could make him one of the higher-paid centers in the league. Pro Football Focus projects Dalman will sign a four-year, $45 million contract in free agency, which would make him the NFL’s sixth-highest-paid center.

That might be pricey, but is it too much to keep Williams well-protected? Doubtful the fans in Chicago think so.