The Los Angeles Rams planned to find a more affordable option to replace center Coleman Shelton, whose return for next season carries a $9.5 million cap hit. However, the sudden retirement of Drew Dalman from the Chicago Bears has complicated matters, as Chicago now needs to fill the center position, increasing demand and driving up prices for available players like Shelton.
With the Bears actively searching for a new center, players on the market—including those the Rams considered, such as Tyler Biadasz, recently released by Washington—are now attracting more interest. Until Chicago settles this gap, the Rams and others must contend with elevated market prices, making it difficult for Los Angeles to avoid paying Shelton’s hefty salary.
Rams Must Rethink Plans Amid Rising Competition for Centers
To avoid paying Shelton’s roster bonus, the Rams would have to release him before the new league year starts later this month. Yet cutting Shelton without a replacement lineup is risky, especially now that cheaper alternatives have become scarce due to the sudden demand sparked by Dalman’s retirement.
Previously, the option of signing a less expensive center made financial sense, but the Bears’ need has pushed prices higher for players matching Shelton’s abilities. The Rams could find it more practical to retain Shelton rather than navigate an inflated market without guarantee of improved performance or cost savings.
Assessment of Shelton’s Performance and Team Needs
Coleman Shelton’s Pro Football Focus ranking placed him 13th out of 40 centers, with particularly strong run blocking skills nearing elite status. However, his pass protection is less impressive, with a PFF grade of 49.6 putting him near the bottom at 36th, and his record on pressures and sacks allowed was below average.
Given these mixed evaluations, the team’s center position remains a candidate for improvement. But potential new signees commanding similar or higher salaries might not deliver a clear upgrade. Meanwhile, other areas of the roster, like the secondary, wide receiver depth, and offensive tackle rotation, present more urgent concerns.
Financial Strategy May Drive Decision to Retain Shelton
The main incentive to replace Shelton would be freeing up salary cap space to bolster other team needs, including adding a top-tier cornerback during free agency. Unless the Bears quickly resolve their center shortage at reasonable cost, the Rams will likely have little choice but to pay Shelton his contract to maintain stability along their offensive line.
Cutting Shelton without securing a comparable alternative risks leaving the Rams vulnerable in a critical position, which could have a negative impact on their overall offensive performance. With the market tightened, the Rams’ best option might be to accept the financial hit and keep the experienced Shelton on their roster.
ESPN sources: Bears Pro Bowl center Drew Dalman has informed the team that he is retiring from the NFL at age 27. Dalman left Stanford in 2021, and after four seasons in Atlanta and one in Chicago, he has made the sudden and surprising decision to retire. pic.twitter.com/SKJcXa1res
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) 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
