The Chicago Bears didn't just lose a starting center this offseason; they lost one of the key pieces holding the operation together before it could even stabilize.
Drew Dalman's decision to retire at only 27, despite being in the middle of a three-year contract, shocked the football world earlier this year. During the 2026 NFL owners' meetings, Ben Johnson made several comments about Dalman and his departure.
"I think it was around mid-February that he reached out with where he was at and what he wanted to do. At that point, it felt like he had given this a lot of thought and there was no really turning this thing around. He’s a big reason why we were able to get the plane off the ground last year."
Ben Johnson details how quickly the Bears had to pivot from Drew Dalman
An extremely reliable center in such a trusted position is not just essential to a successful team; it's imperative to almost every offensive aspect of the game. It all starts with the center, from protecting the quarterback to setting protections, controlling the cadence, and anchoring the game squarely at the line of scrimmage. To Ben Johnson's offense in particular, this is very important, and Dalman's leaving isn't doing the Bears any favors.
Johnson commented that they "Put a lot on his plate, mentally and physically". This development is also entwined with Caleb Williams's ongoing development. The relationship between center and quarterback is just as important as the relationship between quarterback and wide receiver. The chemistry needs to work, and the pair needs to understand one another.
The Bears now look to Garret Bradbury, a recent free agent acquisition who most recently played for the Patriots in the Super Bowl. Bradbury is 30 years old and was drafted by the Vikings 18th overall back in 2019. He's expected to be the day one starter for the Bears this season and the next, having signed a two-year deal with Chicago.
Dalman's departure is an unfortunate reminder that the NFL is a business, and unexpected twists like this happen. Coach Johnson's comments on him go to show both the class act that Johnson is and the impact Dalman's presence had on the team.
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The 2025 Bears highlight was their offense, and Dalman is leaving behind big shoes to fill. Bears fans have high hopes for Bradbury, but only time will tell how the 2026 depth chart shapes up.