After making his first Pro Bowl in 2025, former Atlanta Falcons offensive lineman Drew Dalman has announced his retirement.
The announcement came after ESPN reported that Dalman informed the Bears that he will be retiring. The 27-year-old Pro Bowler signed a three-year extension with the Chicago Bears last season.
“Dalman, 27, is ending his pro career after five seasons. The 2021 fourth-round pick spent his first four seasons with the Atlanta Falcons (2021-24) where he started 40 games. Dalman was Chicago’s marquee free agent signing during the 2025 offseason when he inked a three-year, $42 million contract with the Bears.” Courtney Cronin wrote in the ESPN article.
The Atlanta Falcons could not afford to pay Dalman after becoming a free agent in 2024. As a result, he ended up with the Chicago Bears.
Drew Dalman Career with the Falcons
Dalman was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in the fourth round in 2021. He was drafted out of the University of Stanford.
“The Falcons drafted Dalman in the fourth round of the 2021 NFL Draft out of Stanford. He won the starting job during his sophomore season, starting all 17 games for the Falcons in 2022. Dalman helped the team form one of the best offensive lines in football under former head coach Arthur Smith.” Matt Urben wrote in a Falcons Wire article.
Dalman’s retirement has sparked major surprise from around the league. He started 40 games in total for the Atlanta Falcons.
The Chicago Bears have started to look for his replacement. The Chicago Bears are fresh off of winning the NFC North.
Dalman Signed an Extension With the Bears in 2025
Drew Dalman was fresh off of signing an extension with the Chicago Bears in 2025, signing a $42 Million deal. Now that he is retired, Dalman has 2 years, $24M remaining on his contract, including $9.5M fully guaranteed in 2026, according to Spotrac.
“The surprising news comes less than three months removed from the Bears winning the NFC North title and their first playoff game in 15 seasons.” Cronin wrote. Dalman was a key player along an offensive line that ranked No. 1 in pass block win rate (74%) and fifth in run block win rate (74%). The center had the eighth-highest pass block win rate among all interior offensive linemen with 406 wins in 423 passing plays. He started all 17 games for the Bears.”
Dalman was a part of an impressive offensive line group in Chicago. The team ranked third in rushing offense in the NFL. With free agency lurking, the Bears will need to fill a huge gap in their offensive line.
“Chicago enters free agency with work to be done to be compliant with the salary cap ahead of the new league year on March 11.” Cronin wrote. “Dalman’s cap hit for 2026 was $14 million. Although $9.5 million of his base salary was guaranteed last year, his retirement can void that guarantee.”
Bears starting quarterback Caleb Williams wrote a one-word response to Dalman’s retirement on X following the news.
“”Hulk…,” he posted with a smiling crying emoji, a reference to Dalman’s nickname.
Now at 27, the former Pro Bowler will now enter the next chapter of his life as the Bears search for his replacement.
Former Falcons OL Announces Retirement From NFL