Bears fans are still trying to process what just happened to center Drew Dalman, stunning the NFL world with his retirement after just five years.
Dalman is coming off his first Pro Bowl season with the Bears, as he was a part of the revamped line that allowed just 24 sacks after surrendering 68 in 2024. There is no one who loves this new offensive line more than Bears quarterback Caleb Williams.
Just like every Bears fan right now, Williams is trying to process the news like us. He took to social media to post a short message about his reaction to the Dalman retirement announcement.
"🥲Hulk…"
Caleb Williams reacts to Drew Dalman retirement
It truly is a crushing blow for the Bears, as Dalman was joined by left guard Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson as new signings last offseason, who helped shape one of the best offensive lines in the NFL. Thuney and Dalman were both Pro Bowlers, while Thuney and right tackle Darnell Wright were All-Pros.
The early view is that someone like Luke Newman or Ryan Bates could be considered a potential replacement for Dalman, but early reports indicate that Chicago is looking at free agency to bring someone in. Baltimore Ravens free agent center Tyler Linderbaum and Washington Commanders free agent center Tyler Biadasz are two names to watch out for as potential replacements.
Williams' "Hulk" nickname for Dalman was part of the offensive line, which Williams called "The Avengers." Each lineman was a different superhero name from The Avengers, with Dalman being the Hulk.
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The Bears are now left scrambling to find a center to replace Dalman, and Williams is just like all Bears fans right now, trying to work through the emotions of losing a key piece to the line.