Chicago Bears Bolster Offensive Line with Signing of Center Drew Dalman
The Chicago Bears have made yet another bold move in free agency, strengthening their offensive line with the signing of former Atlanta Falcons center Drew Dalman. The team announced that Dalman has agreed to a four-year contract, further solidifying an offensive front that has already seen major reinforcements with the recent additions of guards Jonah Jackson and Joe Thuney.
The signing of Dalman is part of a strategic effort by the Bears’ front office to build a more dominant and reliable offensive line to protect quarterback Justin Fields (or any potential new signal-caller) and establish a strong running game. With Dalman now in the mix, Chicago has significantly upgraded its interior offensive line, providing stability at a position that has been a point of concern in recent seasons.
Drew Dalman, 25, was a key piece of the Atlanta Falcons’ offensive line over the past few seasons. A fourth-round draft pick out of Stanford in 2021, Dalman quickly established himself as a dependable starter in Atlanta. Known for his agility, high football IQ, and ability to make calls at the line of scrimmage, Dalman played a crucial role in anchoring the Falcons’ offensive line.
Last season, he started all 17 games for Atlanta and was widely regarded as one of the league’s emerging young centers. His ability to handle both power and speed rushers, along with his strong communication skills, made him an invaluable asset for the Falcons. Now, the Bears are counting on him to bring that same level of consistency and leadership to Chicago.
Chicago’s offensive line has been a major area of concern in recent years, with frequent injuries and inconsistent play hindering the team’s ability to sustain drives. By signing Jonah Jackson, Joe Thuney, and now Drew Dalman, the Bears have completely reshaped the interior of their offensive line, signaling their commitment to improving the trenches.
Jackson, a former Detroit Lion, is a Pro Bowl-caliber guard known for his pass-blocking ability and tenacity in the run game. Thuney, a Super Bowl-winning veteran from the Kansas City Chiefs, brings experience, leadership, and versatility to the group. With Dalman now in place at center, the Bears boast one of the most formidable interior lines in the NFL.
This overhaul is expected to provide a significant boost for both the passing and running game. Running backs will benefit from improved blocking, while quarterbacks will have a more stable pocket to operate from, reducing the pressure that plagued Chicago’s offense last season.
The Bears’ aggressive approach in free agency suggests that the organization is fully committed to building a winning team. With a revamped offensive line, Chicago has set the foundation for a more balanced and effective offensive attack. Whether the team sticks with Justin Fields at quarterback or selects a new franchise QB in the upcoming NFL Draft, the protection up front will be significantly better than in previous years.
General Manager Ryan Poles has made it clear that upgrading the offensive line was a top priority, and with these key acquisitions, he has delivered on that promise. Dalman’s addition solidifies the Bears’ offensive front, giving them one of the best interior lines in the NFC.
The signing of Drew Dalman is yet another statement move by the Bears as they continue to reshape their roster. With Jackson, Thuney, and now Dalman in the fold, Chicago’s offensive line looks poised for a dramatic improvement in 2025. If these investments pay off, the Bears could finally have the stability in the trenches needed to compete at a higher level in the NFC.
As free agency continues, all eyes will be on Chicago to see what other moves the team has in store. But for now, Bears fans have every reason to be excited about the new-look offensive line that is taking shape in the Windy City.
