Drew Dalman is on the move, and his destination comes as no surprise. A deal is in place between the top center on the market and the Bears. 
Chicago is set to add Dalman on a three-year, $42MM deal, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports. The pact includes $28MM in guarantees. Once the contract is signed, the Bears will have completed their renovation along the interior of the offensive line.
Dalman expressed a desire to remain with the Falcons after playing out his rookie contract, with team and player meeting at the Combine. In the wake of those talks, though, it seemed the 26-year-old would at least explore outside options. The Bears were named as a suitor to watch as it became clear Dalman would have a strong market. Now, a lucrative pact has been worked out.
After barely seeing any playing time as a rookie, Dalman served as the Falcons’ starting center for each of the past three years. His consistent performances in that role helped outweigh the fact he was limited to only nine games in 2024. Expectations will be high upon arrival in the Windy City as the Bears look to find a permanent solution at center after cycling though several options in recent years.
Chicago entered the 2025 offseason with questions everywhere along the O-line aside from right tackle Darnell Wright. Both guard spots have already been addressed, though, with trade agreements being worked out with the Rams for Jonah Jackson and with the Chiefs for Joe Thuney. Those two, along with Dalman, should represent a notable upgrade compared to where things stood last year.
Ryan Neuzil is in place as a potential Dalman successor in Atlanta. Today’s news likely means he will step into a starting role on a full-time basis as part of a Falcons unit which already includes big-money deals for guard Chris Lindstrom, right tackle Kaleb McGary and – most recently – left tackle Jake Matthews. Left guard Matthew Bergeron is also in place for next year, but the center spot will look different in 2025.