The Chicago Bears offensive line overhaul under new head coach Ben Johnson began last week with two major trades for offensive linemen Jonah Jackson and Joe Thuney. The rebuild continued on Monday at the start of the NFL’s free agency legal tampering period when the Bears agreed to a three-year, $42 million contract with center Drew Dalman, including $28 million guaranteed.
While Dalman’s signing was widely expected, it’s great to see it officially finalized. Interestingly, CBS’s Jonathan Jones reported that Dalman turned down more money from other teams because he specifically wanted to play in Chicago. The 26-year-old took less money due to his belief in head coach Ben Johnson and quaertback Caleb Williams. The Bears made Dalman the NFL’s second-highest-paid center, signaling his value to GM Ryan Poles long-term vision.
Dalman has been one of the league’s most consistent centers, ranking as the 4th-best center in the NFL last year according to Pro Football Focus.
Current Bears Offensive Line:
LT: Braxton Jones
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LG: Joe Thuney
C: Drew Dalman
RG: Jonah Jackson
RT: Darnell Wright
Bears Offseason Moves So Far:
- Hired the most sought-after head coach in the last 5–10 years
- Traded a 4th-round pick for an All-Pro left guard (Thuney)
- Acquired a versatile OL (Jackson) who can play guard or center (for a 6th-round pick)
- Signed the top center available in free agency
- Can now draft the best player available at No. 10
The Bears have come a long way at center — from Sam Mustipher to Coleman Shelton, and now to Drew Dalman. It’s about time they made a real investment at the position and the offensive line in general.
Poles did what needed to be done with FA OL! Gotta give him credit for that.
I agree with @Bears24 that we need to draft OL as depth, insurance and as future starters. Make the OL our strength for years!
The OL actually looks good on paper. Health is always the wildcard and drafting some backup in this draft could provide an insurance upgrade. At LT in particular.
Jeanty’s a Bear if he’s on the board I’d say.
@citizen34 – I don’t agree with having a real QB statement, Justin Fields endured the exact same thing that Caleb did last year. This is the result of a poorly run organization, this year is probably the 1st year in decades they’re addressing the O-Line, Caleb led the league in sacks, please stop with the having a real QB, Tom Brady would’ve been John Doe behind the O-Lines that Justin Fields and Caleb had to play with. Caleb will be better with a new system and more support, he’s gonna have a great future, I just think Justin Fields got… Read more »
In our lifetime, when have the Bears been a destination for anyone on offense?? With Ben in charge and having a real QB, we now will be one of those teams! The draft can play out anyway they want now. We still need a 3rd WR (I think they will snag Patrick from Detroit), a DE and DT. At RB, they will grab Judkins from Ohio State, who is bigger than David Montgomery but faster. Bear down boys!!