It’s obvious the Chicago Bears need to address the offensive line this offseason. But it must be more than just putting a bandaid on the unit. So far, General Manager Ryan Poles has made just two significant investments on the offensive line: a three-year, $30 million contract for Nate Davis and a first-round pick on Darnell Wright. One has been a disaster, while the other has shown promise. However, the most frustrating part has been the revolving door at center. Since Poles took over in 2022, the Bears have had a different starting center each season—Sam Mustipher, Lucas Patrick, and Coleman Shelton—all of whom failed to provide a long-term solution. That needs to change, and it starts by prioritizing the signing of Falcons free agent center Drew Dalman.
Why Drew Dalman Should Be the Bears’ Top Target
It’s rare for a top-tier center to hit free agency, and in Drew Dalman’s case, the Falcons have little leverage to bring him back. OverTheCap currently lists the Bears with $79.76 million in cap space compared to the Falcons negative $4.99 million. A 2021 fourth-round pick, Dalman has been Atlanta’s starting center for the past three seasons and ranked as the fourth-best center by Pro Football Focus (PFF). Known for his elite run-blocking ability, Dalman would be a true long-term solution for the Bears—not just another short-term fix.
What Makes Drew Dalman the Bears’ No. 1 Priority?
A lot of Bears fans are pounding the table for Chiefs right guard Trey Smith, and rightfully so. He’s one of the top guards in the NFL and is in line for a massive contract this offseason. However, the bigger issue for Chicago is the lack of quality centers available. The 2024 draft class is weak at the position, with prospects like Jake Majors, Jared Wilson, and Jonah Monheim unlikely to be immediate starters. Free agency isn’t much better, as options beyond Drew Dalman include Ryan Kelly, Coleman Shelton, Evan Brown, and Josh Myers—none of whom offer a clear upgrade. If the Bears miss out on Dalman, it’ll be another season of hoping the bandaid will stop the bleeding.