Dalman, just 27, was a part of the aforementioned Bears’ O-line transformation a year ago. He signed a three-year deal to join Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson as newcomers, and the influx of big bodies worked to perfection.
Though part of it was also a byproduct of his maturation, Williams went from taking a league-high 68 sacks as a rookie to just 24 in 2025, and PFF graded Chicago’s group as the third-best unit in the NFL. Dalman made his first Pro Bowl while grading out as the sixth-best center overall by PFF (77.5) and the seventh-best run blocker at center (78.9).
He started every regular-season game and both playoff contests for the Bears, and his surprising decision will certainly require a recalibration in Chicago after losing such a sure blocker.
A fourth-round pick by the Atlanta Falcons in 2021, Dalman hangs it up after 74 career appearances and 57 starts.
