Chicago Bears Linked to Tyler Biadasz After Drew Dalman Retirement

The Chicago Bears suddenly need a new center after Drew Dalman informed the team he is retiring at age 27. The unexpected move reshaped Chicago’s offensive line outlook just days before the start of the 2026 NFL free agency period.

Now the Bears are evaluating potential replacements, and one realistic option is already on their radar.

Veteran center Tyler Biadasz is visiting Chicago this week after being released by the Washington Commanders earlier this offseason.

The question for general manager Ryan Poles is simple: Could Biadasz stabilize the position after Dalman’s retirement?

Why Tyler Biadasz Makes Sense as a Bears Free Agency Target

Biadasz brings something the Bears may value right now: experience at the center position.

Since entering the league in 2020, he has logged thousands of offensive snaps and made extensive starts for both the Dallas Cowboys and the Commanders. His career trajectory reflects a dependable, experienced starter who can hold his own in the middle of an offensive line.

That experience matters for Chicago.

MORE: Should the Chicago Bears Sign Tyler Linderbaum in 2026 NFL Free Agency?

Quarterback Caleb Williams will enter his third NFL season in 2026, and it's expected to be a potential MVP campaign. But he'll need a center who can provide the same football IQ that Dalman did. He needs a guy who can identify defensive fronts, set protections, and help stabilize the offense.

Biadasz has repeatedly filled that role throughout his career.

Tyler Biadasz’s Recent Performance

From a performance standpoint, Biadasz has consistently graded as a solid, middle-tier starting center.

Here are his Pro Football Focus grades for the last three seasons:

• 2025: 70.7 overall grade
• 2024: 64.2 overall grade
• 2023: 69.2 overall grade

Those marks reflect a player who may not be elite but provides dependable interior offensive line play.

Biadasz has also demonstrated durability and high snap volume throughout his career, including multiple seasons with more than 1,100 offensive snaps.

For a Bears offensive line that values stability in the middle, that experience carries real value.

Contract Value Could Make Biadasz Attractive

Financially, Biadasz may represent a more practical solution than pursuing a top-of-market center.

The Bears are navigating tight 2026 salary cap flexibility following Dalman’s retirement and other roster decisions. Signing a premium free agent center could require a contract exceeding $15–18 million annually.

Tyler Linderbaum, for example, is projected to earn $20 million per season.

Biadasz, however, is more likely to fall into the mid-tier veteran contract range, potentially providing starting-caliber play at a lower cap cost. According to Spotrac, his current market value is around $10 million per season.

That type of signing would allow Chicago to address center without sacrificing financial flexibility elsewhere on the roster.

How Tyler Biadasz Fits the Chicago Bears' 2026 Offseason Strategy

Chicago’s broader offseason strategy appears focused on targeted upgrades rather than splash spending.

The Bears still need to evaluate:

• Edge rusher
• Safety
• Left Tackle

Signing a cost-effective veteran like Biadasz could allow the Bears to maintain cap flexibility while still avoiding a massive offensive line regression.

It would also allow Chicago to continue exploring center prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft without forcing a rookie into an immediate starting role.

Bottom Line

Drew Dalman’s retirement sent shockwaves through the Bears' offseason plans.

Tyler Biadasz may not be the splashiest option in 2026 NFL free agency, but he represents a practical, experienced replacement for the Chicago Bears.

With Biadasz visiting the team this week, Chicago appears to be exploring exactly that possibility: a veteran center who can step in quickly and help anchor the offense heading into a 2026 season that has high expectations.