The Chicago Bears have found their center as as soon as the legal tampering window opened for the 2025 NFL Free Agency period, the Bears reportedly reached an agreement with top free-agent center Drew Dalman.
The Bears reported signing of Dalman caps an aggressive week in which Ryan Poles and Ben Johnson dramatically overhauled the Bears' starting offensive line. Following the trades for Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson, the addition of Dalman now has given the Bears three new starting offensive linemen within the past week.
Prior to Dalman's signing, there was some question about how Jackson and Thuney would figure into the starting offensive line. Each has predominantly been a left guard over the course of their career, but Jackson does have brief experience at center. Given how the Bears have workshopped the center position in recent seasons, there was speculation that Jackson could serve as the team's center for the 2025 season. Dalman's signing rules out that possibility.
Updated Chicago Bears OL depth chart after Drew Dalman signing
Position | Starter | Second | Third |
|---|---|---|---|
Left Tackle | Braxton Jones | Kiran Amegadjie | |
Left Guard | Joe Thuney | Ryan Bates | Bill Murray |
Center | Drew Dalman | Ryan Bates | Doug Kramer |
Right Guard | Jonah Jackson | Ryan Bates | Bill Murray |
Right Tackle | Darnell Wright |
Not listed on the Bears' depth chart are Larry Borom, Coleman Shelton, Matt Pryor, and Teven Jenkins as they are all free to discuss a new contract with other teams. Prior to Dalman's signing, there was a case that could have been made for the Bears to bring Shelton back. With Dalman now in place as the team's starting center, Shelton may look for a starting opportunity elsewhere.
It wouldn't be a shock if Pryor finds his way back to the Bears. While serving as a starter for the Bears last season due to injuries and the Nate Davis release, Pryor proved to be a reliable veteran who could play both guard spots. Pryor, in a pinch, could also be depth at the tackle positions.
If nothing else, the depth chart proves that the Bears work on the offensive line shouldn't be done. The Bears need to add depth and with Thuney and Jackson looking to be short-term options, the Bears could use the 2025 NFL Draft to find their long-term answer at each position.