Chicago Bears victim of misreport on star center

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Jordan Sigler | Last updated Mar 6, 2026 1:22 PM ET

The center position wasn’t supposed to be a hot button issue for the Chicago Bears entering the offseason.

The Bears appeared to fix the position for the long term when the team signed center Drew Dalman to a four-year deal in 2025.

However, Dalman, 27, decided to retire this offseason.

Since his retirement, Chicago has been linked to high-profile centers like Tyler Linderbaum, Connor McGovern, and Tyler Biadasz.

Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network reported on Tuesday that the Bears were set to have an interview with Biadasz.

“The Bears are hosting free agent center Tyler Biadasz on a visit, source said,” Rapoport posted on X. “The former Commanders starter was recently released and now is available before the frenzy begins.”

The #Bears are hosting free agent center Tyler Biadasz on a visit, source said. The former #Commanders starter was recently released and now is available before the frenzy begins. pic.twitter.com/83dx8sec4X

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 3, 2026

The Chicago Bears didn’t meet with Tyler Biadasz

Sep 21, 2025; Landover, Maryland, USA; Washington Commanders center Tyler Biadasz (63) walks off the field after the game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Northwest Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-Imagn Images

On Friday, Reported broke the news that the Los Angeles Chargers agreed to terms with Biadasz on a three-year deal worth $30 million.

One might have thought the Bears bungled the meeting with Biadasz. However, Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk noticed there was no meeting between the center and Chicago, via the league’s transaction wire.

“The timing and wording of the initial report made waves in some circles, given that it created the impression that the visit was happening before Biadasz was officially released by the Commanders,” Florio wrote.

“And while tampering is rampant in the NFL, blatant and obvious violations can quickly attract the attention of 345 Park Avenue. In this case, there’s no there there.”

The good news is that the Bears won’t receive a punishment from the league for hosting an impermissible meeting (unless Rapoport uncovered a secret meeting). The bad news is that Chicago has one less option at center in free agency.

The Bears traded receiver DJ Moore and released linebacker Tremaine Edmunds on Thursday in moves that will clear $44 million in cap space.

It’ll be interesting to see what general manager Ryan Poles does with the cash. Maybe the Bears will trade for Maxx Crosby or sign a Pro Bowl center like Linderbaum.

This article first appeared on ChiCitySports and was syndicated with permission.

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