Bears Sign Drew Dalman to Three-Year, $42M Deal with $28M Guaranteed to Keep Caleb Williams Upright

In a bold move to ensure their future is secure with one of college football’s most exciting quarterbacks, the Chicago Bears have signed Drew Dalman, the standout center from the Atlanta Falcons, to a three-year, $42 million contract with $28 million guaranteed. The deal is a crucial step for the Bears as they look to protect their investment in Caleb Williams, the young star from USC, who many view as the future of the franchise.

Dalman, known for his ability to anchor an offensive line and create a stable pocket, is the type of player the Bears need to build around Williams, who will likely be the team’s number-one pick in the upcoming NFL Draft. The addition of Dalman signals the team’s serious commitment to keeping Williams upright and allowing him to flourish in the pocket.

The Need for Protection

When the Bears made the decision to trade up for the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, it became clear that the future of the franchise was tied to the development of a quarterback who could carry them back to prominence. Caleb Williams, widely considered one of the most talented quarterbacks to enter the league in years, has the potential to transform the Bears into a legitimate Super Bowl contender. However, this potential is only realized if the team can give him the protection he needs in the pocket.

Quarterbacks like Williams, who rely heavily on their ability to read defenses, make quick decisions, and throw accurately under pressure, need a solid offensive line to succeed. Dalman’s acquisition is the first step in building that line. The Bears have struggled for years to provide consistent protection for their quarterbacks, and this deal is a direct response to that weakness.

Drew Dalman’s Impact

Drew Dalman has proven to be one of the most reliable and technically sound centers in the NFL since entering the league. After being drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in the fourth round of the 2021 draft, Dalman quickly earned a starting role on the team. His experience in a zone-blocking system, along with his intelligence and quick reaction times, makes him a perfect fit for the Bears’ offensive scheme.

Dalman excels in both run blocking and pass protection, with a particular emphasis on his ability to handle nose tackles and defensive tackles in one-on-one situations. As the quarterback’s primary protector on the offensive line, the center plays a pivotal role in maintaining the pocket and ensuring that the quarterback has a clean line of sight to make throws. Dalman’s quick reflexes and ability to anticipate defensive line movements should go a long way in helping Williams avoid pressure and stay comfortable in the pocket.

While Dalman may not be the flashiest signing of the offseason, his presence on the line will be invaluable. The center is often considered the quarterback of the offensive line, responsible for making calls at the line of scrimmage and adjusting blocking schemes based on the defense. His ability to understand and execute these tasks efficiently will allow Williams to focus on his job—leading the offense.

Building Around Caleb Williams

The Bears’ move to invest in Dalman is not only about protecting Williams from immediate pressure but also about creating a system in which the quarterback can grow. With an offensive line that can provide time for Williams to go through his progressions and read the defense, the Bears can help unlock the full potential of the former USC star.

Dalman’s leadership on the line should be a great asset for Williams, who will need time to adjust to the speed and complexity of the NFL. The young quarterback will be able to lean on Dalman for advice, guidance, and on-the-field adjustments that will help him avoid the common pitfalls many rookie quarterbacks face, such as pressure-induced mistakes and a lack of confidence in the pocket.

In addition to Dalman, the Bears have made a concerted effort to improve their offensive line through other signings and draft picks. With more protection up front, Williams will have the time and confidence to scan the field, allowing him to use his unique playmaking abilities to extend plays and find open receivers.

Financials of the Deal

The Bears’ decision to sign Dalman to a three-year, $42 million deal with $28 million guaranteed is a reflection of the team’s commitment to the quarterback position and the overall success of their offense. While Dalman’s contract may seem like a significant investment, it is a relatively reasonable price for a center of his caliber, especially considering the Bears’ desperate need for stability on the offensive line.

The $28 million in guaranteed money ensures that Dalman is financially secure in Chicago and offers the team flexibility in their future roster decisions. With cap space becoming increasingly important in the NFL, the Bears have structured this deal in such a way that it will not cripple their ability to build around Williams and make further moves to strengthen their team.

Dalman’s contract will also allow the Bears to address other key areas in future seasons. They can continue to build the offensive line, add skill players to complement Williams, and potentially re-sign key players as they head toward playoff contention. By locking up Dalman, the Bears ensure that they won’t have to worry about one of their most important positions for the next few years.

The Future for the Bears and Caleb Williams

With Drew Dalman now in place, the Bears can look ahead with a sense of optimism and confidence. Protecting Caleb Williams is the team’s top priority, and Dalman is a crucial piece of that puzzle. The Bears have finally made the type of commitment to their quarterback that has been sorely missing in recent years.

For Williams, the future looks bright. With Dalman at the center, along with a more improved offensive line, Williams will be able to develop into the quarterback that Chicago has long hoped for. His ability to process defenses, make quick decisions, and deliver the ball accurately will be supported by a stable offensive front, allowing him to thrive and fulfill his potential.

Dalman’s arrival signals a shift in the Bears’ approach to team-building, as the franchise begins to prioritize the long-term health and success of their quarterback. The Bears have made significant strides in building a foundation around Williams, and with the right protection, the future could be very bright for both the quarterback and the franchise.

The Bears’ Offensive Line Transformation

While Dalman’s signing is a major piece of the puzzle, the Bears’ offensive line has gone through other changes over the past season. The team has brought in other free agents and drafted offensive linemen to reinforce their unit, all in an effort to provide Williams with the best chance to succeed.

In particular, the Bears have focused on improving the interior of their offensive line. Dalman, as a center, will be a key component in that transformation, but the Bears are also building depth with other strong players at guard and tackle positions. By focusing on building from the inside out, the Bears hope to create a line that will protect Williams for years to come, giving him time to develop into the elite quarterback the team believes he can be.

This approach mirrors what many successful NFL teams have done when building around a young quarterback. By providing a secure pocket and a strong running game, the Bears aim to set Williams up for success early in his career.

The signing of Drew Dalman to a three-year, $42 million contract with $28 million guaranteed is a critical step in the Chicago Bears’ effort to build a team around Caleb Williams and ensure his success. Dalman’s technical skill, leadership, and experience will be invaluable as the team works to create a stable offensive line and provide the protection necessary for Williams to thrive.

This move signals a new era in Chicago, one where the Bears are committed to protecting their quarterback and investing in the offensive line to ensure long-term success. With Dalman leading the way up front, the Bears are taking a crucial step toward building a foundation that will allow Williams to develop into the star quarterback the franchise needs to return to relevance in the NFC.