Caleb Williams loses key piece of offense as shock retirement decision made

Caleb Williams’ offensive line now has a serious hole to fill.

The Chicago Bears are on the lookout for a new starting center after Drew Dalman informed the team he will retire effective immediately.

Getty

News of Dalman’s decision was first reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

Dalman’s choice has come as a major shock given he is just 27 years old.

He was also only one year into a three-season, $42million contract having signed last March from the Atlanta Falcons.

In the 2025 season, Dalman started all 17 of Chicago’s regular season games and played every single snap.

He was a key piece on an offensive line that allowed a league-low 25 sacks on Williams.

It was a remarkable improvement on the 2024 season, when the Bears gave up 68 sacks, a league-leading tally.

Dalman also helped the Bears end the season with the NFL’s third-best rushing attack, behind only the Buffalo Bills and the Baltimore Ravens.

The 27-year-old’s key role in improving the Bears’ offensive line also earned him a Pro Bowl berth, the first of his career.

News of Dalman’s shock retirement continues a turbulent off-season for Bears fans.

The franchise is no certainty to remain in Illinois, where they have been based for the entirety of their history, amid frustrations with building a new stadium.

Getty

Chicago have called Soldier Field home for 55 years but were hopeful of moving into a new venue, set to be located on Arlington Heights.

However, the $5billion project has hit several hurdles regarding funding.

It has allowed neighbouring state Indiana to swoop in and pull out all the stops as they look to lure the Bears over the border.

The mooted venue in Indiana would be located in Hammond, some 20 miles south of Chicago.

And the city mayor Thomas McDermott would be one of many who would welcome the Bears with their arms wide open, should the relocation transpire.

“This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity,” Hammond Mayor Thomas McDermott Jr. said in February.

“Indiana is open for business, and our pro-growth environment continues to attract major opportunities like this partnership with the Chicago Bears,” Gov. Braun added.

“The State of Indiana moves at the speed of business, and we’ve demonstrated that through our quick coordination between state agencies, local government, and the legislature to set the stage for a huge win for all Hoosiers.”