Following Drew Dalman’s unexpected retirement, the Chicago Bears face an urgent challenge to secure a capable replacement at center as their list of potential candidates rapidly diminishes. The Bears’ dilemma intensified on Friday when Tyler Biadasz, a top free agent center, agreed to a lucrative deal with the Los Angeles Chargers, reducing the options available to the team ahead of the 2026 NFL season.
Tyler Biadasz’s Signing Narrows Bears’ Choices
Tyler Biadasz, a free agent center recently released by the Washington Commanders due to salary cap constraints, has committed to a three-year, $30 million contract with the Los Angeles Chargers. This news, confirmed by NFL insider Ian Rapoport, deals a significant blow to the Bears’ efforts to fill the void left by Dalman’s abrupt departure.
“The #Chargers make a splash before free agency, agreeing to terms with C Tyler Biadasz on a 3-year deal worth $30M, per The Insiders. Biadasz was cut by the #Commanders after being set to make $8.3M. Now he lands in LA with a raise in a deal done by @AthletesFirst. pic.twitter.com/EBZs8M6YVl” – Ian Rapoport, NFL Insider
Biadasz, a 2022 Pro Bowl selection, graded 70.7 with Pro Football Focus (PFF) in 2025, ranking 11th among centers in the league. After meeting with the Bears shortly after Dalman’s retirement announcement, negotiations failed to materialize into a contract, allowing the Chargers to outbid Chicago. This departure intensifies the pressure on Bears general manager Ryan Poles to identify viable alternatives quickly.
Alternative Veteran Centers Remain Available
Despite the loss of Biadasz, the Bears still have notable veterans to consider in free agency. Among them is Tyler Linderbaum, a three-time Pro Bowler who was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in 2022. Linderbaum is set to become a free agent after the Ravens declined to place the franchise tag on him. He was ranked as the fifth-best center in 2025 with an impressive 80.2 PFF grade.
Linderbaum is expected to command a record-setting contract for centers, possibly exceeding $20 million annually. This price tag could pose a barrier for the Bears, who, despite freeing up roughly $45 million in salary cap space recently, must carefully allocate funds given extensive needs on their defense.
Another potential target is Connor McGovern, a reliable seven-year veteran currently with the Buffalo Bills. A 2024 Pro Bowler, McGovern reportedly does not anticipate re-signing with Buffalo and could be a more budget-friendly option. While he may lack the high upside of Linderbaum, McGovern’s experience and dependability could appeal to the Bears, allowing them to also pursue defensive reinforcements such as a pass rusher.
Draft Prospects and Upcoming Decisions
Chicago could also explore the 2026 NFL Draft, which boasts a deep class of centers, to find a young starter. However, the Bears’ leadership, including general manager Ryan Poles and head coach Ben Johnson, appear inclined to secure a seasoned player capable of guiding rookie quarterback Caleb Williams through adjustments at the line, particularly in calling protections.
Linderbaum and McGovern represent contrasting approaches: Linderbaum as the costly, high-potential leader versus McGovern as a less expensive but dependable veteran. Both candidates offer experience that could stabilize the Bears’ offensive line for the season ahead.
The team faces a tight timeline, as the NFL’s legal tampering window opens at noon Eastern on Monday, and these top free agents will likely not be available for long. Ryan Poles must act decisively to secure a center before the market evaporates, or the Bears risk facing another difficult season with that position unsettled.
The #Chargers make a splash before free agency, agreeing to terms with C Tyler Biadasz on a 3-year deal worth $30M, per The Insiders.
Biadasz was cut by the #Commanders after being set to make $8.3M. Now he lands in LA with a raise in a deal done by @AthletesFirst. pic.twitter.com/EBZs8M6YVl
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 6, 2026
