They don't call them the offseason champs for nothing. The Chicago Bears continue to make big moves to begin free agency.
Following reports that the Green Bay Packers don't plan to re-sign starting center Josh Myers, the Bears landed the best center in the market.
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Chicago is giving free-agent center Drew Dalman a three-year, $42 million contract. The Bears have rebuilt their interior offensive line and taken the best center off the market.
It follows the Bears' recent moves to add guards Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson via trade.
They have now completely rebuilt the three interior positions of their offensive line, making another smart move to begin free agency. Only five centers had a higher Pro Football Focus grade than Dalman in 2024. He allowed just two sacks and had the sixth-highest run-blocking grade at the position.
It's smart business by the Bears, while the Packers have their own center puzzle to solve.
Bears signing Drew Dalman will force Packers to look beyond free agency for starting center
The Packers may have never had interest in throwing money at the center position, but Chicago signing Dalman takes the best center off the market and forces Green Bay to look at other options.
They could make an internal move — Elgton Jenkins and Sean Rhyan could slide to center. Maybe even Zach Tom. The Packers could let second-year Jacob Monk compete for the starting job.
Their most likely path is to draft a versatile offensive lineman who offers experience at center and other positions along the line. The Packers love that kind of flexibility, and it would give Matt LaFleur a chance to figure out each player's best position.
But it still hurts to see a division rival make a smart move. The Bears desperately needed offensive line help to give Caleb Williams a chance to reach his potential. They have prioritized veteran additions, and an interior trio of Dalman, Thuney, and Jackson is an excellent start.
The Bears are making smart moves. It's the Packers' turn to find help in areas of need.