Soon-to-be former Falcons center Drew Dalman is set to sign a three-year, $42 million deal with the Chicago Bears, according to multiple reports.
He is represented by agent Steve Caric. The contract is reported to have $28 million guaranteed.
Dalman, who was the Falcons’ top priority free-agent, took less money from the Bears in order to play with new coach Ben Johnson and with quarterback Caleb Williams, according to Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports.
The Falcons now must shift their focus to replacing Dalman and re-signing wide receiver and special-teams Pro Bowler KhaDarel Hodge.
The Bears are rebuilding their offensive line after the talented Williams took 68 sacks as a rookie.
Dalman was drafted in the fourth round (114th) of the 2021 draft out of Stanford.
He played in 57 games and made 40 starts for the Falcons and was the team’s offensive signal-caller up front for the blocking schemes.
He reflected on his time with the Falcons on the Monday after the past regular season ended. At that time, he wanted to return.
“It’s been an awesome experience, and I hope it continues and all of that,” Dalman said. “Playing with incredible teammates over the years and having incredible coaches. I’ve enjoyed it and savored every bit of it.”
Dalman missed eight games with an high ankle sprain. Ryan Neuzil filled in well.
Last season, Dalman had a 78.8 grade and ranked as the fourth best center out of 64, by Pro Football Focus. Dalman gave up two sacks and 10 quarterback pressures over his nine games last season.
Neuzil had a 58.5 (F) grade last season. He’s a fine pass protector, but was not as strong in run blocking in the Falcons’ outside zone blocking scheme.
When drafted, Dalman was no stranger to the Falcons,
As a child, Dalman ran around the football fields while his father, Chris Dalman, worked as a Falcons assistant offensive line coach during the 2005 and 2006 seasons under former coach Jim Mora.
Fifteen years later, Dalman was back in Flowery Branch after getting drafted.
Before becoming a coach, Dalman’s father spent seven seasons with the San Francisco 49ers from 1993-99 after a standout collegiate career at Stanford. Dalman knew he wanted to follow in his father’s footsteps as a professional football player at a young age. Like his dad, Dalman also attended Stanford as a three-star prospect and became a three-year starter.
In his rookie season, the Falcons tried to rotate him in with Matt Hennessy at center. He took over as the starter in 2022 and started all 17 games.
About the Author
Keep Reading
The Latest
Featured
