The Bears continued the dramatic, costly rebuilding of their offensive line Monday after they shortly moved to signal former Falcons middle Drew Dalman, the highest participant at his place on the free agent market. He’ll get $42 million over three years, per ESPN.
The 26-year-old Dalman was drafted by the Falcons 4 years in the past out of Stanford. Professional Soccer Focus graded him as their third-best middle in 2023 and their fourth-ranked middle final 12 months. Dalman allowed two sacks on 295 pass-blocking snaps final season.
He’ll slot within the Bears’ beginning lineup between guards Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson, each of whom the Bears traded for final week. Thuney is about to have a $16 million wage cap hit in 2025, the final 12 months of his contract, although the Bears determine to barter an extension quickly. Jackson has a $17.5 million wage cap hit this season and a $17 million hit in 2026, although the Bears may reduce him after one 12 months with no penalty.
The trio is an costly repair to a Bears offensive line that couldn’t shield rookie quarterback Caleb Williams final 12 months. Solely two quarterbacks within the historical past of soccer have been sacked extra usually in a single season than Williams’ 68 final 12 months. New Bears coach Ben Johnson and GM Ryan Poles vowed to enhance the offensive line this offseason, with Johnson saying it was attainable to assemble a complete rebuild of the unit.
The Bears may nonetheless look to improve at sort out by changing Braxton Jones, who’s recovering from ankle surgical procedure.
NFL groups have been permitted to start out negotiating contracts with brokers at 11 a.m. Monday, although they signal contracts till the beginning of the league season Wednesday at 3 p.m.
