Now the Bears have a need at center

Last week, we took a look at some holes and areas that general manager Ryan Poles would have to address, whether via free agency, trade, or through the draft. I was planning on revisiting that and maybe leaning into free agency since that's on March 11. Well, 27-year-old center Drew Dalman retired earlier this week, and what once was a solid interior offense now has a massive need. So, let's dig into that.

Before I get on with the show, I made a promise to mention a close friend of mine. Bob Owens, consider this your cameo appearance. I've leaked Blackhawks propaganda to you, and in return, you've poured on propaganda for the Beats to myself and another friend of ours (Murray).

So, Bob, how are we feeling about Poles' latest assignment in addressing the hole at center? Is this something that can be filled via free agency or the draft?

Dalman was the anchor of that offense and provided important protection to Caleb Williams. When the Bears signed him for the 2025 season, he had an integral role in Williams' second season and the step he took forward. Dalman also fit in perfectly with head coach Ben Johnson's offense. The key here is that when Dalman was signed to the Bears, he had two seasons under his belt already. He was a veteran center who provided stability to the Bears' interior offense.

So it makes sense that Poles probably fill this need with an experienced player. Tyler Linderbaum is probably one of the hottest free agents and is an excellent center. But his asking price is likely around $25 million. While Dalman's departure does create about $10 millions in cap space, the Bears are already pretty tight to the cap. That's even after the announced $301.2 million cap for the 2026 NFL season.

With Joe Thuny and Jonah Jackson as the left and right guards, the only need for Poles was that pesky left tackle. Maybe Poles targets Monroe Freeling at the draft. Freeling is an excellent tackle from Georgia, but is projected to go pretty high in the draft. The Bears are picking at 25. A lot of mock drafts have the Bears selecting Peter Woods, a defensive tackle from Clemson.

Maybe with Dalman freeing up some capspace ($10 million) and with Tremain Edmunds probably getting let go (that's $15 million right there), Poles has some more wiggle room to make something happen at center. DJ Moore has been subject to trade rumors recently, with a $28.5 million cap hit. Now, I still don't think Moore goes, but there are options for Poles.

There's questions on the defense, left tackle, and now center. Poles has himself some problems that will need answering.

March 11 is free agency, and the draft is April 23.

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