David Banks-Imagn Images

Bears QB Caleb Williams Saddened by NFL Retirement News

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Rolly Gacelo | Last updated Mar 3, 2026 11:46 PM ET

The Chicago Bears signed Drew Dalman before the start of the 2025 season, and they received exactly what they hired the veteran center for when he helped the team reach the National Football Conference championship.

However, the team will not get the most out of their investment in him, as Dalman has decided to retire unexpectedly.

The 27-year-old shocked the NFL community on Tuesday after he reportedly informed the team that he is hanging up his cleats. His reason to retire remains unknown, according to a report by the Associated Press.

AP wrote:

"Chicago Bears Pro Bowl center Drew Dalman is retiring after five seasons, a person with knowledge of the decision said Tuesday.

"The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because he hasn’t publicly announced his plans. ESPN first reported the decision."

Chicago Bears guard Joe Thuney and center Drew Dalman enter the field during gameDavid Banks-Imagn Images

The news came as a shock for Bears fans, especially star quarterback Caleb Williams.

Hulk…
— Caleb Williams (@CALEBcsw) March 3, 2026

Dalman retiring early is not a new phenomenon in his family. His father, Chris Dalman, was also an NFL player and retired at the age of 30. He spent his entire career with the San Francisco 49ers from 1993 to 2000 and won Super Bowl XXIX.

The younger Dalman signed a three-year, $42 million contract with the Bears upon his arrival and lived up to the hype around the contract by earning his first Pro Bowl selection. ESPN reported that he earned $9.5 million in base salary last season.

The Bears, who were working around salary cap constraints last season, will no longer have his services. However, they will be able to recoup around $4 million in signing bonus money that was not guaranteed.

Dalman is walking away from approximately $24 million in salary over the next two years with this decision.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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