Report: Bears add Dalman as OL revamp continues

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Perry Knotts / Getty Images Sport / Getty

The Chicago Bears can't stop adding new starting linemen.

Chicago is signing former Atlanta Falcons center Drew Dalman, sources told NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

Dalman - arguably the best free-agent center available - will ink a three-year, $42-million deal with Chicago that includes $28 million guaranteed, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. He'll become the NFL's second-highest-paid center.

Bolstering the offensive line was a top offseason priority for the Bears, who saw 2024 No. 1 pick Caleb Williams be sacked an NFL-high 68 times as a rookie.

Chicago also traded for guards Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson last week, giving the team at least three new starters along with Dalman.

Dalman, 26, joined the Falcons as a fourth-round pick in 2021 and has recorded 57 career appearances (40 starts). He was PFF's fourth-best center in 2024.

The Bears had already used a first-round pick on right tackle Darnell Wright in 2023. Braxton Jones, who's started 40 games over the last three seasons, is currently projected to be the team's left tackle.

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