Chicago Bears center Drew Dalman has made the shock decision to retire from the NFL at the age of just 27.
The Pro Bowler has informed the Bears that he is not going to return to Ben Johnson’s offense next season.
It comes just 12 months after Dalman signed a three-year, $42 million contract.
Dalman, who played college football for the Stanford Cardinal, spent the first four seasons of his NFL career with the Atlanta Falcons after being drafted in the fourth round.
According to NFL insiders, the Bears may already have a replacement for Dalman lined up. They are also among the teams interested in former Baltimore Ravens center Tyler Linderbaum.
They are hosting free agent Tyler Biadasz following his release by the Washington Commanders earlier this offseason.
Chicago Bears center Drew Dalman has made the shock decision to retire from the NFL at 27
It comes just 12 months after Dalman signed a three-year, $42 million contract with the Bears
The offensive line was a huge plus for the Bears last season as they made the playoffs in Johnson’s first season as a head coach.
They traded for Jonah Jackson and Joe Thuney before signing Dalman to play in front of quarterback Caleb Williams.
But now they are left searching for another new center, while also dealing with the absence of left tackle Ozzy Trapilo after he ruptured his patellar tendon in the playoffs.
Dalman helped the Bears to win the NFC North title last season, earning the first Pro Bowl selection of his career.
Bears quarterback Williams was among the first to react. He posted a crying emoji and wrote ‘Hulk…’ on X.