The Chicago Bears are seeking a new center after the unexpected retirement of Pro Bowl center Drew Dalman at age 27. Dalman retired during the first year of a three-year, $42 million contract, prompting the Bears to explore options for the 2026 NFL Draft.
Key points
Drew Dalman retired unexpectedly at age 27
Dalman was a Pro Bowl center for the Bears
He played 1,154 offensive snaps last season
The Bears allowed only 24 sacks last season
Dalman was in a three-year, $42 million contract
Mentioned in this story
Drew Dalman
Chicago Bears
6 center options for the Chicago Bears in the 2026 NFL Draft
Following the shocking retirement of Pro Bowl center Drew Dalman, the Chicago Bears find themselves looking for their long-term solution heading into the 2026 NFL Draft.
The news of Dalman's retirement was sudden and unexpected, especially at 27 years old, coming off a Pro Bowl season and in the first year of a three-year $42 million deal. But Dalman, looking out for his longer-term health, felt it was time.
Dalman was part of general manager Ryan Polesā 2025 offensive line retooling that translated to just 24 sacks allowed, the second fewest in the league. He was the staple in the middle, playing all of 1,154 offensive snaps last season.
Unknown date & location, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears running back Walter Payton (34) carries the ball during the 1987 season. Mandatory Credit: Manny Rubio-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 29, 1972; St. Louis, MO, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears linebacker Dick Butkus (51) in action against the Chicago Bears at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Herb Weitman-USA TODAY Sports
Q&A
Why did Drew Dalman retire from the NFL at 27?
Drew Dalman retired to prioritize his long-term health, despite coming off a Pro Bowl season.
What impact did Drew Dalman's retirement have on the Chicago Bears?
Dalman's retirement leaves the Bears searching for a long-term solution at center ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft.
How many offensive snaps did Drew Dalman play last season?
Drew Dalman played all 1,154 offensive snaps last season, contributing to the Bears allowing only 24 sacks.
What was the value of Drew Dalman's contract with the Chicago Bears?
Drew Dalman was in the first year of a three-year, $42 million contract when he announced his retirement.
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Nov 24, 1985; Chicago, IL, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears lineman Dan Hampton defensive end Dan Hampton (99) in action against the Atlanta Falcons at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Manny Rubio-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 28, 1969; St. Louis, MO, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears running back Gayle Sayers (40) in action against the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Bears 20-17. Mandatory Credit: Herb Weitman-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 26, 2010; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher (54) takes the field against the New York Jets at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
Caleb Williams of the Chicago Bears celebrates after defeating the Carolina Panthers at Soldier Field in October.
Unknown date; Los Angeles, CA, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears tight end Mike Ditka (89) on the bench agains the Los Angeles Rams at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Darryl Norenberg-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 26, 1986; New Orleans, LA, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears quarterback Jim McMahon (9) throws the ball against the New England Patriots during Super Bowl XX at the Superdome. The Bears defeated the Patriots 46-10. Mandatory Credit: Manny Rubio-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 23, 2019; Landover, MD, USA; Chicago Bears guard Kyle Long (75) stands on the field during the first half against the Washington Redskins at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 2, 2025; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Chicago Bears tight end Colston Loveland (84) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Cincinnati Bengals during the fourth quarter at Paycor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-Imagn Images
Oct 30, 2022; Arlington, Texas, USA; Chicago Bears linebacker Roquan Smith (58) in action during the game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Chicago Bears at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
26 Jan 1986: Quarterback Steve Fuller #4 of the New England Patriots prepares to pass as teammate offensive lineman Jim Covert #74 covers during Super Bowl XX game with the Chicago Bears at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Bear
Nov 11, 2007; Oakland, CA, USA; Chicago Bears running back Cedric Benson (32) runs the ball during the second quarter against the Oakland Raiders at McAfee Coliseum in Oakland, CA. Mandatory Credit: Phil Carter-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 8, 2024; Santa Clara, California, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze (15) catches a touchdown during the third quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Kupbens-Imagn Images
Jan 7, 2024; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Chicago Bears offensive tackle Darnell Wright (58) during the game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 26, 2010; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears defensive tackle Tommie Harris (91) takes the field against the New York Jets at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 9, 2008; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Rex Grossman (8) throws a pass during the fourth quarter against the Tennessee Titans at Soldier Field. The Titans beat the Bears 21-14. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 16, 2011; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears tight end Greg Olsen (82) after the 2011 NFC divisional playoff game against the Seattle Seahawks at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
Oct. 27, 1985; Chicago, IL, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears linebacker Wilber Marshall (58) in action against the Minnesota Vikings at Soldier Field. The Bears beat the Vikings 27-9. Mandatory Credit: Malcolm Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 9, 1986; Tampa, FL, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears receiver Willie Gault (83) in action against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Tampa Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Manny Rubio-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 26, 1986; New Orleans, LA, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears defensive tackle William Perry (72) interacts with Ron Rivera (59) on the field against the New England Patriots during Super Bowl XX at the Superdome. The Bears defeated the Patriots 46-10. Mandatory Credit: Manny Rubio-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 26, 1986; New Orleans, LA, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears linebacker Otis Wilson (55) warms up prior to Super Bowl XX against the New England Patriots at the Superdome. The Bears would defeat the Patriots 46-10. Mandatory Credit: Manny Rubio-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 26, 1993; Chicago, IL, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears quarterback Jim Harbaugh (4) in action against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Peter Brouillet-USA TODAY NETWORK
Oct 25, 1987; Tampa, FL, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears full back Neal Anderson (35) takes a hand off from Jim McMahon (9) against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Tampa Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Malcolm Emmons-USA TODAY NETWORK
Aug 19, 2017; Glendale, AZ, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Kevin White (11) looks on prior to the game against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 15, 2019; Denver, CO, USA; Chicago Bears linebacker Leonard Floyd (94) reacts to a call in the first quarter against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 27, 2020; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Mitchell Trubisky (10) throws a pass against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the second quarter at TIAA Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
04 Aug 2001: Cade McNown #8 of the Chicago Bears looks for the open man during the NFL pre-season game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Soldier Field in Chicago, IL. The Bears defeated the Bengals 16-13 in overtime. DIGITAL IMAGE Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Daniel/ALLSPORT
Sep 13, 2020; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Chicago Bears cornerback Kyle Fuller (23) puts his hands up after a play during the first quarter against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
1 / 30
A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years
Unknown date & location, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears running back Walter Payton (34) carries the ball during the 1987 season. Mandatory Credit: Manny Rubio-USA TODAY Sports
1 / 30
A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years
Unknown date & location, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears running back Walter Payton (34) carries the ball during the 1987 season. Mandatory Credit: Manny Rubio-USA TODAY Sports
2 / 30
A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years
Oct 29, 1972; St. Louis, MO, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears linebacker Dick Butkus (51) in action against the Chicago Bears at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Herb Weitman-USA TODAY Sports
3 / 30
A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years
Nov 24, 1985; Chicago, IL, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears lineman Dan Hampton defensive end Dan Hampton (99) in action against the Atlanta Falcons at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Manny Rubio-USA TODAY Sports
4 / 30
A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years
Sep 28, 1969; St. Louis, MO, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears running back Gayle Sayers (40) in action against the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Bears 20-17. Mandatory Credit: Herb Weitman-USA TODAY Sports
5 / 30
A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years
Dec 26, 2010; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher (54) takes the field against the New York Jets at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
6 / 30
A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years
Caleb Williams of the Chicago Bears celebrates after defeating the Carolina Panthers at Soldier Field in October.
7 / 30
A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years
Unknown date; Los Angeles, CA, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears tight end Mike Ditka (89) on the bench agains the Los Angeles Rams at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Darryl Norenberg-USA TODAY Sports
8 / 30
A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years
Jan 26, 1986; New Orleans, LA, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears quarterback Jim McMahon (9) throws the ball against the New England Patriots during Super Bowl XX at the Superdome. The Bears defeated the Patriots 46-10. Mandatory Credit: Manny Rubio-USA TODAY Sports
9 / 30
A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years
Sep 23, 2019; Landover, MD, USA; Chicago Bears guard Kyle Long (75) stands on the field during the first half against the Washington Redskins at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
10 / 30
2026 NFL draft preview: Where Chicago Bears stand at tight end
Nov 2, 2025; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Chicago Bears tight end Colston Loveland (84) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Cincinnati Bengals during the fourth quarter at Paycor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-Imagn Images
11 / 30
A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years
Oct 30, 2022; Arlington, Texas, USA; Chicago Bears linebacker Roquan Smith (58) in action during the game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Chicago Bears at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
12 / 30
A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years
26 Jan 1986: Quarterback Steve Fuller #4 of the New England Patriots prepares to pass as teammate offensive lineman Jim Covert #74 covers during Super Bowl XX game with the Chicago Bears at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Bear
13 / 30
A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years
Nov 11, 2007; Oakland, CA, USA; Chicago Bears running back Cedric Benson (32) runs the ball during the second quarter against the Oakland Raiders at McAfee Coliseum in Oakland, CA. Mandatory Credit: Phil Carter-USA TODAY Sports
14 / 30
A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years
Dec 8, 2024; Santa Clara, California, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze (15) catches a touchdown during the third quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Kupbens-Imagn Images
15 / 30
A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years
Jan 7, 2024; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Chicago Bears offensive tackle Darnell Wright (58) during the game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
16 / 30
A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years
Dec 26, 2010; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears defensive tackle Tommie Harris (91) takes the field against the New York Jets at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
17 / 30
A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years
Nov 9, 2008; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Rex Grossman (8) throws a pass during the fourth quarter against the Tennessee Titans at Soldier Field. The Titans beat the Bears 21-14. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
18 / 30
A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years
Jan 16, 2011; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears tight end Greg Olsen (82) after the 2011 NFC divisional playoff game against the Seattle Seahawks at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
19 / 30
A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years
Oct. 27, 1985; Chicago, IL, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears linebacker Wilber Marshall (58) in action against the Minnesota Vikings at Soldier Field. The Bears beat the Vikings 27-9. Mandatory Credit: Malcolm Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
20 / 30
A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years
Nov 9, 1986; Tampa, FL, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears receiver Willie Gault (83) in action against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Tampa Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Manny Rubio-USA TODAY Sports
21 / 30
A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years
Jan 26, 1986; New Orleans, LA, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears defensive tackle William Perry (72) interacts with Ron Rivera (59) on the field against the New England Patriots during Super Bowl XX at the Superdome. The Bears defeated the Patriots 46-10. Mandatory Credit: Manny Rubio-USA TODAY Sports
22 / 30
A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years
Jan 26, 1986; New Orleans, LA, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears linebacker Otis Wilson (55) warms up prior to Super Bowl XX against the New England Patriots at the Superdome. The Bears would defeat the Patriots 46-10. Mandatory Credit: Manny Rubio-USA TODAY Sports
23 / 30
A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years
Sep 26, 1993; Chicago, IL, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears quarterback Jim Harbaugh (4) in action against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Peter Brouillet-USA TODAY NETWORK
24 / 30
A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years
Oct 25, 1987; Tampa, FL, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears full back Neal Anderson (35) takes a hand off from Jim McMahon (9) against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Tampa Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Malcolm Emmons-USA TODAY NETWORK
25 / 30
A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years
Aug 19, 2017; Glendale, AZ, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Kevin White (11) looks on prior to the game against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
26 / 30
A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years
Sep 15, 2019; Denver, CO, USA; Chicago Bears linebacker Leonard Floyd (94) reacts to a call in the first quarter against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
27 / 30
A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years
Dec 27, 2020; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Mitchell Trubisky (10) throws a pass against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the second quarter at TIAA Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
28 / 30
A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years
A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years
04 Aug 2001: Cade McNown #8 of the Chicago Bears looks for the open man during the NFL pre-season game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Soldier Field in Chicago, IL. The Bears defeated the Bengals 16-13 in overtime. DIGITAL IMAGE Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Daniel/ALLSPORT
30 / 30
A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years
Sep 13, 2020; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Chicago Bears cornerback Kyle Fuller (23) puts his hands up after a play during the first quarter against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Chicago quickly pivoted, trading for veteran Garrett Bradbury, who came off a Super Bowl season with the New England Patriots. After being drafted 18th overall in 2019, Bradbury, 30, joins the Bears and will get to play alongside college teammate, All-Pro left guard Joe Thuney.
Poles didnāt elect to spend big money and sign Tyler Linderbaum, who got a three-year, $81 million contract. Instead, Chicago opted for the short-term, cheaper option because the 2026 draft class has a handful of guys who could fill the Bears' center vacancy for the future.
Here is the breakdown of the centers in this season's NFL draft, their strengths and weaknesses, and which one suits the Bears best with their seven draft picks.
Sam Hecht, Kansas State
Measurables: 6-foot-4, 303 pounds 31 5/8 inch arms, 9 7/8 inch hands
Sam Hecht is the most polished of the many prospects in this year's NFL draft. Heās light on his feet, which allows him to move quickly in both run and pass block situations, and his athleticism makes up for his slightly undersized frame. However, numerous scouts have reported that Hechtās technique is the best in the draft.
Adding mass and size wonāt be an issue for an interior offensive lineman, especially if Hecht gets drafted by Chicago, where he most likely wonāt be asked to start right away. His ability to play in sync with his hands and feet allows him to get into run fits, and those same strong hands and active feet allow him to stay connected to blocks.
Last season, Hecht played 769 snaps, allowed zero sacks, zero hits allowed, and accounted for zero penalties. During an interview on Up and Adams, Hecht mentioned that during his pro day at Kansas State, Bears offensive line coach Dan Roushar and assistant Kyle DeVan worked the offensive lineman through drills and were able to build a relationship with one another.
āProtecting a quarterback of that caliber, that is super exciting for sure,ā Hecht said. āThe staff, the offensive line coach, and the assistant offensive line coach were amazing. I feel like we grew a good relationship just in the short time that we had with each other.ā
Hecht has been all over the draft board, mocked from mid to late second round and even the third round. Chicago has two late picks in the second and one in the third. The question is how much they value the center portion, and is Hecht their guy?
Jake Slaughter, Florida
Measurables: 6-foot-5, 303 pounds, 32 3/8 inch arms, 10 inch hands
Jake Slaughter brings plenty of experience as a three-year starter with plenty of game experience, but with his height matched with a lighter weight at 303 pounds, he lacks the size and mass needed to fill out his frame. The lighter weight has allowed Slaughter to be lighter on his feet, and he does a good job with his active feet.
Heās a guy projected to rounds four or later, but with time in the NFL to develop, learn more technique, and add on more weight with his experience, he could be a starter down the road in his career. With his size and lack of mass, Slaughter seems it's a guy Chicago would likely shy away from.
Logan Jones, Iowa
Measurables: 6-foot-3, 299 pounds, 30 3/4 inch, 9 1/2 inch
Logan Jones is another undersized center who has plenty of experience. His technique with his hands and feet has allowed him to excel thus far. He possesses initial quickness off the ball, allowing him to latch onto defensive tackles. Has a good first punch and is direct with his lands at a level against the rush. He can slide protect to open up run gaps and get to the second level quickly and locate linebackers.
Jones has similar traits to Hecht, who is an inch shorter, but poses the same kind of upside in the technique and IQ. He is projected to be later than Hecht and land potentially in the fourth or fifth round. If Chicago does wait, it could find itself in a position to draft Jones in the fourth round.
Connor Lew, Auburn
Measurables: 6-foot-4, 310 pounds, 32 3/8 inch arms, 9 inch hands
Connor Lew has a stronger frame than his tape may show for Auburn. He can bump and run and get to the second level against local linebackers and safeties. He plays with overall toughness, a good IQ, and leadership that might bring attention to him from teams earlier than he is projected.
With more reps in the NFL in a scheme that he will become familiar with, Lew will not only fill out in his frame, but also allow him to become a solid starter in the NFL. His wrestling background shows up in the hip roll to anchor on tape, and he can quickly bounce back an re-gain leverage in his hands and feet.
Like Jones and possibly Hecht, Lew is projected to go in the third round, and possibly even higher for teams who are more in need in the center position. Hecht, through Lew, is one of the top four centers in the class who have separated themselves from the rest of the pack, but there are options later in the draft.
Pat Coogan, Indiana
Measurables: 6-foot-5, 311 pounds, 21 1/8 inch arms, 9 1/4 inch hands
The IQ, size, and communication skills are there for Pat Coogan, who spent four seasons at Notre Dame before transferring to Indiana for his final season. His leadership and traits will appeal to coaches. On top of that, Coogan is technically sound. He's good in gap schemes and inside zone and has a good first punch and relocated his hands well when knocked down.
Coogan is a Chicago native who attended Marist High School and had offers from schools. His anchor is given away against powerful bull rushers, and he has been very scheme-reliant and has a hard time finding a fit in the outside zone. Coogan can be an option for the Bears, but isnāt the prototypical light on his feet type center that would fit well in the Ben Johnson pulling offense.
Matt Gulbin, Michigan State
Measurables: 6-foot-4, 305 pounds, 31 3/4 inch arms, 9 1/2 inch hands
Matt Gulbin is another guy projected behind the initial pack of the top four I mentioned. He is projected to be a Day 3 pick, but as a three-year starter, he brings average size and good power. He is a better vertical mover to the second level than he is a laterally moving block in the run game, but it is something he can improve on. Gulbin is a good pass-protection blocker with a good anchor to stay tight on his blocks.
Gulbin's tape shows consistency, and he can be nimble and take on good angles on linebackers in the second level. Other than needing to get better in his lateral movement, this is a potential pick for Chicago if Gulbin is available in the seventh or by acquiring a pick.