Drew Dalman is calling it quits
NEED TO KNOW
The Chicago Bears center is walking away from the remainder of his three-year, $42 million contract
Dalman is credited with contributing to the team's success this year, decreasing the amount of quarterback Caleb Williams' sacks from 68 in 2024-25 to 24 in 2025-26
Drew Dalman is walking away from the NFL — and $24 million left on his contract with the Chicago Bears.
The center is retiring at the age of 27 after five seasons in the league,according to ESPN.
Dalman, who just finished his first year of a three-year, $42 million contract with the Bears, is widely credited for making a significant impact with the team.
After quarterbackCaleb Williams' tough rookie season in which he was sacked 68 times, the franchise signed Dalman and other offensive lineman to shore up his protection.
The move resulted in fewer sacks (only 24) and the Bears' resurgence this year, where they made it to the Divisional Round game before losing in a 20-17 heartbreaker to the Los Angeles Rams.
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Dalman also made the Pro Bowl for the first time in his career, after one season with the Bears and four with the Atlanta Falcons. The California native started all 17 regular-season games for the team plus two playoff games.
The Stanford product's decision was met with surprise by many of his teammates — including Williams.
"4eva! Appreciate you!" Williams, 24,wrote in his Instagram Stories. "And gonna miss ya big guy!! Enjoy retirement."
Dalman may be required to return to the Bears the balance of his signing bonus,NBC Sports reported. The 6-foot, 3-inch, 303 lb.-player earned a third of the $6 million he received upfront, and he may be required to pay back $4 million.
Selected 114th overall by the Falcons in the 2021 NFL Draft,Dalman is the son of former San Francisco 49ers player Chris Dalman, who also played at Stanford.
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