Bears' Drew Dalman News Opens Door for 2 Unexpected Draft Fits – Heavy Sports

The Chicago Bears now have another major hole to fill after center Drew Dalman announced his retirement.

Dalman, 27, signed a three-year, $42 million deal and became an anchor in the middle of Chicago’s offensive line, which ranked first in pass block win rate (74%) and fifth in run block win rate (74%) last season.

The Bears are already getting busy, hosting former Washington Commanders starting center Tyler Biadasz for a visit, and according to NFL insider Albert Breer, the Bears have “sniffed around Tyler Linderbaum.”

The problem with Linderbaum is, according to ESPN’s Dan Graziano, he’s expected to get offers that exceed $20 million per year. Especially since plenty of NFL teams are looking to add a starting-caliber center.

The Bears will likely sign a center during free agency, but a long-term option could come through the 2026 NFL Draft, and Pro Football Focus’ Trevor Sikkema and Dalton Wasserman highlighted two centers who fit Chicago’s offensive system.

Two Center Prospects for the Bears Amid Drew Dalman’s Retirement

GettyJake Slaughter of the Florida Gators participates in a drill during the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine.

Sikkema and Wasserman listed Jake Slaughter and Logan Jones as two prospects that the Bears could target.

“Talking with @PFF_Dalton about the Drew Dalman news, two centers in this draft to keep an eye on are Jake Slaughter and Logan Jones. Chicago ran outside zone at the 3rd highest percentage of any team in the league last year. That’s right in the wheelhouse of Slaughter & Jones.”

Let’s take a look at the scouting reports for both center prospects via NFL draft analyst Lane Zierlein.

Jake Slaughter: “Two-year team captain and three-year starter with plenty of game experience against high-end talent. Slaughter lacks desired build/mass but plays with adequate strength and solid technique. He’s consistent at finding and sustaining his outside zone blocks. He works to neutralize opponents on downhill blocks but is unlikely to move pro bodies around. He has the feet for gap control in pass pro but will struggle some against pure bull rushers. What he lacks in traits he makes up for awareness and football IQ, which gives him a chance to become and NFL backup.”

Logan Jones: “Undersized but highly experienced with NFL-ready technique. Jones has a dense frame and short limbs. He has impressive initial quickness and stays firm inside the framework with his hands while his feet rarely stop pressing forward. Long nose tackles with quick hands are his kryptonite at the point of attack. Iowa’s scheme limited his true pass-set count, so proving he can anchor and play with gap range will be essential. He’s operational in gap schemes but better in zone, where his athleticism mitigates his lack of strength. Jones’ age, traits and center-only value could limit his suitor count, but he has the polish to help early with the right fit.”

Both Slaughter and Jones will need time to develop, but either prospect could become the Bears’ center of the future. They just aren’t expected to start right away as rookies.

However, considering that both their play styles mesh well with Ben Johnson’s outside zone offensive scheme and the Bears have one of the better O-line coaches in the NFL with Dan Roushar, either prospect could quickly become Chicago’s long-term starter.

Other Free Agent Centers the Bears Could Go After

Aside from Linderbaum and Biadasz, Yahoo Sports! Nate Tice believes Buffalo Bills free agent center Connor McGovern could be a good fit for the Bears.

“Connor McGovern would actually be a good fit, too. Lot of carryover from what he’s done in Buffalo and Dallas. He’s likely getting a pretty penny as well, though.”

With all these centers expected to get a pretty penny and the Bears tight on money with other important needs to address, other notable options include Lloyd Cushenberry, Ethan Pocic, Cade Mays, and Luke Fortner.

According to ESPN’s Bill Barnwell, McGovern is projected to ink a deal around $9-16 million per year, while the rest are listed to make under $8 million per year.

Regardless of what path the Bears choose, Drew Dalman’s retirement has created another massive hole Chicago needs to address.