The Chicago Bears are actively seeking a new starting center following the unexpected retirement of Pro Bowl center Drew Dalman on Tuesday. Among the primary candidates considered are free-agent Tyler Linderbaum and veteran Tyler Biadasz, as the Bears prioritize solidifying a key position for their offense.
Urgency Intensifies After Dalman’s Sudden Retirement
Drew Dalman, 27, abruptly informed the Bears of his retirement, ending what was expected to be a long-term partnership with the team. The Pro Bowl center had started all 17 games last season and was a crucial part of the Bears’ offensive line. His retirement has left Chicago scrambling to find a reliable replacement to anchor their interior line, a vital task considering head coach Ben Johnson’s emphasis on a strong running game.
Shortly after the news broke, industry insiders reported that the Bears wasted no time in exploring options. Tyler Linderbaum and Tyler Biadasz emerged quickly as the leading prospects to fill the void at center.
Tyler Linderbaum: A Top-Tier Free Agent in the Mix
Tyler Linderbaum is viewed as the top target in the Bears’ center search. The 25-year-old former Iowa Hawkeyes standout was the 25th overall pick by the Baltimore Ravens in the 2022 NFL Draft. Since entering the league, Linderbaum has been a consistent starter, missing only two games over four seasons and earning Pro Bowl selections for the past three years.
His performance in 2025 stands out, with Pro Football Focus grading him as the fifth best center in the league, notably ranking him among the elite run-blockers. This attribute aligns well with Coach Ben Johnson’s strategy, which heavily relies on a potent running attack.
Market projections for Linderbaum’s free agency value highlight how highly he is regarded. Pro Football Focus forecasts a potential four-year deal around $20 million per year, including $53 million in guaranteed money. Meanwhile, The Athletic projects a sizable contract of four years totaling $71 million. The Bears face a significant financial commitment if they choose to replace Dalman with Linderbaum, but they might view it as justifiable given his caliber and fit.
However, the Bears are unable to officially negotiate with Linderbaum until the start of the new league year on Monday, which means their immediate options must include other potential candidates.
Tyler Biadasz: A Viable Alternative Already Visiting the Bears
While waiting for the chance to engage with Linderbaum, the Bears have reportedly invited Tyler Biadasz for a visit, as confirmed by NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport. Biadasz, a former starter for Washington Commanders and Dallas Cowboys, has notable credentials including a Pro Bowl nod in 2022 with Dallas.
Biadasz played two seasons with Washington, backing up Jayden Daniels, the Commanders’ 2024 first-round quarterback. Pro Football Focus ranked him 12th among centers in 2025, with balanced grades in both run blocking (71.2, 12th among 39 qualifiers) and pass blocking (67.1, 15th), just slightly below Dalman’s pass protection score of 67.3.
Recently released by Washington, Biadasz became a free agent after the Commanders cut him to free up $8.3 million in salary cap space. ESPN’s John Keim explained that the move was driven more by financial flexibility than outright performance complaints:
“The big factor with Biadasz? He was due $8.3M in cash. They can now allocate that money elsewhere in free agency, adding to their desire to be aggressive. Of course, some of that money will go to Biadasz’s replacement. But keep this in mind, if Biadasz had been playing at a higher level, they wouldn’t have made this move.”
Though some question whether performance played a role, Biadasz offers a proven track record and may benefit from a fresh start in Chicago. Given the Bears’ immediate need at center and his availability, he represents a practical option while they continue their pursuit of Linderbaum.
Strategic Importance of the Center Position for the Bears
The center is pivotal in controlling the offense’s rhythm and stability, especially in the run game, which bears significant weight under coach Ben Johnson’s system. As the Bears place greater emphasis on establishing consistent rushing yards, securing a dominant center like either Linderbaum or Biadasz will likely be a top priority for the franchise.
Dalman’s sudden retirement has accelerated front office decisions. Chicago now faces a critical offseason in free agency and roster building, tasked with ensuring their offensive line, and specifically the center role, remains a strong foundation for future success.
What’s Next for the Bears’ Center Situation
The Bears are expected to engage officially with Tyler Linderbaum once free agency opens Monday, but until then, the visit with Biadasz likely serves as a stopgap evaluation. The offseason calendar will be busy as Chicago weighs their options, balancing salary cap considerations and the need to fill the void left by Dalman.
Both Linderbaum and Biadasz bring experience and proven ability to the table, giving the Bears a chance to quickly rebuild a vital part of their offensive line. How this decision unfolds will significantly impact the Bears’ offensive identity and competitiveness in the 2026 NFL season and beyond.
The Bears have sniffed around Tyler Linderbaum and now that makes sense.
?Albert Breer, NFL Analyst
The #Bears are hosting free agent center Tyler Biadasz on a visit, source said. The former #Commanders starter was recently released and now is available before the frenzy begins.
?Ian Rapoport, NFL Network Insider
The Bears have sniffed around Tyler Linderbaum and now that makes sense. https://t.co/tqWu6uowe4
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) March 3, 2026
The #Bears are hosting free agent center Tyler Biadasz on a visit, source said. The former #Commanders starter was recently released and now is available before the frenzy begins. pic.twitter.com/83dx8sec4X
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 3, 2026
