The Bears entered this offseason believing the center position was one of the areas on the roster already settled. That has changed quickly, following Tuesday’s news of Drew Dalman’s sudden retirement from football.

Dalman, 27, has reportedly informed the team he is retiring, bringing an abrupt end to what looked like a long-term partnership between the Bears and one of the league’s better young interior linemen. He started all 17 games for Chicago last season and earned his first Pro Bowl nod while ranking seventh among centers in Pro Football Focus’ grading. His arrival a year ago, after signing a three-year, $42 million contract, was a major part of the Bears’ offensive line revival during their NFC North title run.

But instead of anchoring the middle of that line for years to come, Drew Dalman is stepping away after just one season in Chicago. And now the Bears have a new problem to solve.

Drew Dalman’s Surprise Retirement Creates New Questions for Bears Offensive Line

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