Drew Dalman

Drew Dalman

27-Year-Old CenterC
 Free Agent  
Free Agent
2025 Fantasy Outlook
Dalman joined the Bears in free agency after playing well for the Falcons. The veteran center is expected to be a key part of the offensive line overhaul that Chicago executed this offseason. Read Past Outlooks
Signed a three-year, $42 million contract with the Bears in March of 2025.
Announces surprise retirement
CChicago Bears
March 3, 2026
Dalman informed the Bears on Tuesday that he has decided to retire from the NFL, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.
ANALYSIS
Dalman's decision comes out of left field, as the 27-year-old center joined Chicago via a three-year, $42 million contract last March and played at an extremely high level in 2025. The loss of Dalman leaves the Bears with a significant hole in the middle of an otherwise stellar O-line, and at an essential position for head coach Ben Johnson's offensive scheme to function smoothly. Expect Chicago to heavily prioritize searching for a pivot option at center in free agency and/or April's draft.
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NFL Stats
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Measurables Review View College Player Page
How do Drew Dalman's measurables compare to other centers?
This section compares his draft workout metrics with players at the same position. The bar represents the player's percentile rank. For example, if the bar is halfway across, then the player falls into the 50th percentile for that metric and it would be considered average.
* All metrics are from his Pro Day (not the combine).
Height
6' 3"
 
Weight
300 lbs
 
40-Yard Dash
5.00 sec
 
Shuttle Time
4.51 sec
 
Cone Drill
7.33 sec
 
Vertical Jump
33.0 in
 
Broad Jump
109 in
 
Bench Press
33 reps
 
Hand Length
10.50 in
 
Arm Length
32.00 in
 
Recent RotoWire Articles Featuring Drew Dalman See More
Recent RotoWire Articles Featuring Drew Dalman See More
Past Fantasy Outlooks
2024
2023
2022
2021
A 2021 fourth-round pick, Dalman took over as the Falcons' starting center in 2022 and hasn't looked back.
A 2021 fourth-round pick out of Stanford, Dalman took over as the starting center in 2022 after operating as a backup behind Matt Hennessy as a rookie. Dalman started all 17 games last year and is slated to reprise the same role in 2023.
Dalman was drafted by the Falcons in the fourth round of the 2021 NFL Draft and operated as the backup center to Matt Hennessy last year after losing the training-camp competition. However, the Stanford product is getting another shot at the starting gig, splitting time with Hennessy during training camp ahead of the 2022 season.
Atlanta selected Dalman in the fourth round of the 2021 NFL Draft to be a depth piece behind new starter Matthew Hennessy. Dalman likely won't be the immediate backup this season due to free-agent acquisition Josh Andrews who has much more experience at the NFL level. The rookie center has a lot of competition at his position so unless injuries threaten the team's depth, it would be surprising to see him on the field for any substantial amount of time.
More Fantasy News
Set to play Sunday night
CChicago Bears
December 26, 2025
Dalman (ankle/hand) does not have an injury designation for Sunday night's matchup against San Francisco.
ANALYSIS
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Limited in Wednesday's practice
CChicago Bears
Ankle
December 24, 2025
Dalman (ankle) was a limited participant in Chicago's practice Wednesday.
ANALYSIS
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Going to Windy City
CChicago Bears
March 10, 2025
Chicago will sign Dalman to a three-year, $42 million contract, Marc Raimondi of ESPN reports.
ANALYSIS
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Returning to action in Week 11
CAtlanta Falcons
November 17, 2024
Dalman (ankle) is active for Sunday's matchup versus the Broncos, Tori McElhaney of the Falcons' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
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Activated off IR
CAtlanta Falcons
Ankle
November 16, 2024
The Falcons activated Dalman (ankle) from injured reserve Saturday, Daniel Flick of SI.com reports.
ANALYSIS
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Latest Fantasy Rumors
Not likely to return to Atlanta
CAtlanta Falcons
March 4, 2025
The Falcons are preparing to lose Dalman in free agency, Dan Graziano and Jeremy Fowler of ESPN report.
ANALYSIS
Dalman is an elite center and is the clear top option at the position in free agency. He may not get a contract at the level of the four-year,$72 million deal Creed Humphrey got from Kansas City last August, but the market will likely price Dalman out of Atlanta's range. Ryan Neuzil is currently the next man up at center for the Falcons.
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