The Chicago Bears have signed free-agent Drew Dalman to a 3-year $42 million deal with $28 million guaranteed. The signing solidifies the middle of the offensive line. This was a move many fans were hoping to get done and Ryan Poles has come through yet again. That’s 3 interior line moves in as many weeks and has to make Caleb Williams a happy camper.
Dalman has started 40 out of 57 possible career games and is ranked as the 4th best center in the Pro Football Focus rankings. Clearly Dalman is an upgrade over anything the Bears have had at Center over the last 10 years. Word out of Atlanta is that he is a leader and someone not to be messed with on the interior line. Ryan Poles certainly has more flexibility in the draft and can now truly take the best available player if that’s still his draft philosophy.
With a Mad Dash of signings at the defensive end position to other teams it’s unclear if Poles will go out and sign or trade for some Edge help on the defensive line. If reports over the weekend of Trey Hendrickson from the Cincinnati Bengals being available for only a third round pick, the Bears absolutely need to pursue that option. He is a game wrecker that could only improve the team.