Bears hit with sudden massive need following stunning retirement

Center jumps to top of long offseason Bears to-do list

The Bears had their work cut out for them this offseason before Dalman announced his retirement. Chicago must address its secondary with safeties Kevin Byard, Jaquan Brisker and C.J. Gardner-Johnson unrestricted free agents. Cornerback Nahshon Wright is also set to hit the open market after a breakout 2025 campaign, potentially pricing him out of the Chicago's range. Per Over The Cap, the team is currently $7.46M over the 2026 cap.

Defensive tackle Grady Jarrett underwhelmed in his first season with the Bears, making the interior defensive line another priority. The defense also tied for the seventh-fewest sacks (35), establishing the edge as one more significant area of need.

But those all arguably come second to finding a replace for Dalman, one of the league's best centers in 2025. Per Sports Info Solutions, he ranked fifth among players at his position in total points earned, defined as "The total of a player's [expected points added] responsibility while blocking."

The team seemingly understands finding a starting center is a must, already bringing in recently released former Washington Commanders center Tyler Biadasz for a visit, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Because he was released instead of entering free agency on an expiring contract, he's eligible to negotiate before Monday's legal tampering window opens.

The 2022 Pro Bowler had a down year last season, but he should be more affordable than the top options in the free-agent class, including Tyler Linderbaum and Connor McGovern

Chicago would be wise to hammer out a contract. Then, it can move to the next item on its list.