The Chicago Bears received the tough news that starting center Drew Dalman is retiring.
They just signed Dalman to a three-year deal worth $42 million last offseason, and the center delivered a Pro Bowl season in 2025. However, he has now decided to call it a career at 27.
That decision shook up the Bears’ offseason, as they now have to find a quality starting center. The good news is that Dalman let Chicago know before free agency and the draft, so the franchise will be able to utilize resources to replace him. While the team will explore those opportunities, there may already be an internal replacement option for Dalman in Luke Newman.
Bears lineman Luke Newman could emerge as a replacement option for Drew Dalman
Newman was drafted by Chicago in the sixth round of the 2025 Draft and spent his rookie season as a backup guard. However, before the start of his rookie season, the young offensive lineman detailed that he had spent much of the offseason working at center. While he has traditionally been a guard, he admitted that he feels the center position better fits his body type and skill set.
With Dalman now retired, Newman has the perfect opportunity to emerge and deliver for the Bears. Of course, Chicago is unlikely to turn to Newman and expect him to be the answer at the position, but he is an option. His development from year one to year two will determine how serious an option he is.
As a rookie, Newman missed some time with a foot injury, but he did get time in games, either filling in for an injured Jonah Jackson or entering the game in packages with an additional offensive lineman on the field. Playing just 25 total offensive snaps, Newman is ultimately just a young player with potential, and it’d be great if he could start to tap that potential in 2026.
Read more: Bears could soon be gifted a free agency dream after latest news from Adam Schefter
The Bears, who have high expectations entering next season, can’t afford to gamble on Newman possibly making a leap. However, it’d be great news for the future of the franchise if he could emerge as a solid starting center.