The Chicago Bears have invested in another center for the 2025 season after signing Drew Dalman in the first wave of NFL free agency.

Chicago Bears Invest in Drew Dalman: A Strategic Signing to Strengthen the Offensive Line for the 2025 Season

As the NFL’s free agency period continues to unfold, the Chicago Bears have made a significant move by adding Drew Dalman, an experienced center, to their roster for the 2025 season. This signing, made during the first wave of free agency, signals a clear intent by the Bears to bolster their offensive line and ensure that their offensive unit can function at its highest level moving forward.

Dalman, a talented and versatile player, brings with him both the stability of experience and the potential for growth. His addition comes at a crucial moment for the Bears, as they continue to rebuild and strengthen their roster in an effort to improve on the disappointments of recent seasons. With young quarterback Justin Fields at the helm, protecting him and providing stability on the offensive line has become one of the team’s top priorities. Dalman’s acquisition, then, should be seen as a strategic effort to create a stronger foundation for both the running and passing games.

This article will dive deep into the significance of the Drew Dalman signing for the Chicago Bears, explore the rationale behind the move, and assess how it fits within the Bears’ overall strategy for the 2025 season and beyond. We will look at Dalman’s background, his fit within the Bears’ offensive scheme, and how this signing may impact both the short- and long-term future of the team.

Who is Drew Dalman? A Look at His Background and Career

Before exploring the impact of Dalman’s signing, it’s essential to understand who Drew Dalman is as a player. Dalman, who was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in the fourth round of the 2021 NFL Draft, is a 6-foot-4, 300-pound center out of Stanford University. During his time at Stanford, Dalman was known for his excellent technique, quickness, and intelligence on the field. He was widely regarded as one of the top centers in college football during his tenure with the Cardinal, earning second-team All-Pac-12 honors in 2020.

Dalman’s success at Stanford translated well into the NFL, where he was selected by the Falcons to be part of their offensive line. His rookie season saw him transition into the starting role, where he immediately earned a reputation for his ability to effectively anchor the offensive line. While he played as a center throughout his college and professional career, Dalman also demonstrated the versatility to play other positions on the offensive line, adding further value to his skill set.

During his two years with the Falcons, Dalman showed a steady improvement, becoming known for his consistent play, particularly in the passing game. His mobility and ability to read defenses helped protect quarterbacks, and he demonstrated a strong ability to block effectively in both zone and man-blocking schemes. Dalman’s physical traits, combined with his mental acumen, have made him a promising young talent in the league.

Why Drew Dalman Makes Sense for the Chicago Bears

The signing of Drew Dalman to a one-year contract by the Chicago Bears was a move that quickly turned heads, and for good reason. The Bears have been in the midst of an offensive line rebuild for several seasons, with inconsistent play along the front five being one of the key weaknesses of their offense. With young quarterback Justin Fields continuing to develop, protecting him from pressure and ensuring he has time in the pocket to make plays is an absolute necessity. Dalman’s signing could be a crucial piece in improving both the running and passing game.

Addressing the Center Position

One of the most notable aspects of the Bears’ offensive line over the past few seasons has been the inconsistency at the center position. The Bears have cycled through multiple players at the center spot, and while some players have shown promise, none have proven to be a consistent, long-term solution. With Drew Dalman in the fold, the Bears may have found a stable presence in the middle of their offensive line.

Dalman’s experience and technical prowess at the center position give the Bears a solid option who can anchor the offensive line. His understanding of blocking schemes, ability to make quick decisions at the line of scrimmage, and leadership qualities will be crucial as the Bears attempt to establish a more balanced and efficient offense. Having a reliable center who can communicate effectively with both the guards and the quarterback is vital for maintaining offensive stability, particularly in the fast-paced, high-pressure environment of the NFL.

Improving Offensive Line Depth

The Bears’ decision to invest in Dalman is also a recognition of the need to deepen the talent pool along the offensive line. In the past, the Bears have had issues with depth, often leading to injuries or inconsistent performance from backup linemen. With Dalman now in the fold, the Bears not only gain a potential starter but also add depth to a group that could use more competition for spots on the line.

Dalman’s versatility is another benefit for the Bears. While he is most comfortable at center, he has the ability to play other positions on the offensive line in a pinch. This flexibility allows the Bears to rotate players and adjust their lineups without compromising the overall effectiveness of their blocking schemes. It also gives the Bears the luxury of having more versatile players who can fill in when injuries arise, a critical factor in an NFL season that can often see multiple offensive linemen miss games.

Protecting Justin Fields

Perhaps the most important reason the Bears signed Dalman is to provide protection for their young quarterback, Justin Fields. Fields, who has shown incredible athleticism and flashes of brilliance, has also struggled with inconsistent protection from his offensive line. Fields is a dynamic playmaker who can make defenses pay with his legs, but his long-term success in the NFL will depend on his ability to develop as a pocket passer and make quick decisions in the passing game.

In order for Fields to progress, the Bears must prioritize providing him with a clean pocket to operate from. Dalman’s presence at the center position can help achieve this, as his quickness and understanding of pass protection schemes will enable him to make the right calls at the line of scrimmage and create better communication across the entire offensive line. Protecting Fields from pressure will allow him to be more efficient as a passer and take full advantage of his potential.

Additionally, the Bears’ offensive line has struggled with creating running lanes for their running backs. With Dalman’s technical skills and ability to block in both man and zone schemes, he should contribute to improving the Bears’ running game. Fields’ ability to read defenses and the team’s commitment to a more balanced offense could see significant improvements with Dalman in the fold, as he helps clear space for both the passing and running games.

Dalman’s Fit within Luke Getsy’s Scheme

Dalman’s signing also makes sense within the context of offensive coordinator Luke Getsy’s scheme. Getsy, who has spent time with both the Green Bay Packers and the Miami Dolphins, has implemented a zone-blocking system that relies heavily on the ability of offensive linemen to move and shift with the flow of the play. Dalman’s agility, speed, and quickness make him an ideal fit for this type of scheme. His ability to get to the second level and create running lanes for the team’s running backs aligns with the Bears’ desire to establish a more consistent rushing attack.

Dalman’s experience in similar blocking schemes in Atlanta also makes him a seamless fit within Getsy’s offensive philosophy. His comfort in both zone and gap schemes should allow the Bears to be more versatile in their play calling and more unpredictable with their offensive attack. As the Bears continue to develop under Getsy, Dalman’s skills will complement the overall design of the offense and add a layer of consistency to the team’s approach.

The Future Outlook: How Dalman Fits into the Bears’ Long-Term Plans

While Dalman’s signing fills an immediate need for the Bears in the 2025 season, it also has potential long-term implications. The Bears are in the midst of a rebuild, and their long-term success will hinge on their ability to solidify key positions such as quarterback, offensive line, and defense. With Fields expected to be the franchise quarterback, ensuring that he has a solid offensive line in front of him is paramount.

Dalman’s signing could potentially extend beyond just one season. If he proves to be a reliable starter in 2025, the Bears could look to retain him for longer, solidifying the center position for the foreseeable future. Additionally, with the Bears looking to build through the draft and continue their rebuild, Dalman could be part of a growing core of offensive linemen that will protect Fields as he matures into a leader of the team.

Having a reliable center is crucial to the success of any franchise quarterback, and Dalman could be the anchor of the Bears’ offensive line for years to come. His ability to communicate, block effectively in the run game, and protect the quarterback from pressure will make him a key player in the Bears’ long-term offensive plans.