Drew Dalman is one of the most talked-about centers in the NFL — not just for his on-field excellence, but also for his surprising career choices. From free agency contract details to Pro Football Focus (PFF) grades and personal life, here’s the full picture of the Chicago Bears standout turned early retiree.
Professional Background & NFL Career
Drew Brazil Dalman was born on October 15, 1998 in Salinas, California, and played college football at Stanford, where he was a standout offensive lineman and earned first-team All-Pac-12 honors. He was drafted in the 4th round (114th overall) of the 2021 NFL Draft by the Atlanta Falcons.
Dalman spent four seasons with the Falcons, developing into a reliable starting center before entering free agency. In March 2025, he signed a new contract with the Chicago Bears and had a breakout season, earning his first Pro Bowl selection.
However, Dalman shocked the NFL community by announcing his retirement at just 27 years old after five seasons in the league — a move widely covered in sports media.
Contract Details
In 2025, Dalman agreed to a three-year, $42 million contract with the Chicago Bears — a deal that made him one of the highest-paid centers in the NFL, with around $14 million per year in average value.
Here’s a breakdown of the deal:
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Contract Value: $42,000,000
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Guaranteed Money: ~ $26.5 million fully guaranteed at signing
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APY (Average Per Year): ~$14 million
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2025 Cap Charge: $14 million
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2025 Cash Payout: ~$18 million
The contract included roster and workout bonuses, and Dalman’s salary cap hit was among the top three for centers in the league at the time.
After retiring, some aspects of the contract — especially future guarantees — may be affected, as NFL teams typically recoup portions of signing bonuses if a player steps away early.
PFF Grades & Performance
Dalman’s performance on the field earned praise from analytics sites such as Pro Football Focus (PFF) before his retirement:
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Ranked among the top centers in the NFL with a strong overall offensive grade.
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Noted for limited allowed pressures and sacks, contributing to a highly effective offensive line.
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His play in 2025 helped Chicago’s offensive line greatly improve, with significantly fewer sacks compared to the previous season.
His presence made a measurable impact, particularly in pass protection and run blocking efficiency.
NFL Stats & Career Summary
Across his five NFL seasons, Dalman’s career includes:
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Games Played: 74
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Games Started: 57
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Pro Bowl Selection: 2025 (first career nod)
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Teams: Atlanta Falcons (2021–2024), Chicago Bears (2025)
During his lone Bears season, he played every offensive snap and helped Chicago finish with a much-improved offense and a playoff appearance — their first in several years.
Personal Life (Wife & Family)
Unlike many NFL players who are frequently featured in celebrity or personal lifestyle articles, Drew Dalman has kept his personal life private. There’s no confirmed credible source verifying that he has a wife or marital status publicized. His known public biography focuses on his football career and family background — particularly as the son of former 49ers offensive lineman Chris Dalman.
His father’s NFL legacy and mentorship were significant parts of his upbringing and career journey.
Net Worth & Career Earnings
While exact figures for Dalman’s personal net worth aren’t official, estimates suggest his professional NFL earnings have been substantial:
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Rookie Contract with Falcons: ~$4.2 million total
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Bears Contract (2025): Potentially over $18 million earned in a single year depending on guarantees and bonuses
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Career Earnings: Estimated in the tens of millions range before taxes and expenses
His early retirement likely affects future contract earnings, but Dalman has already secured significant financial reward for his playing career.
Conclusion
Drew Dalman’s journey through the NFL — capped by a high-profile contract, a Pro Bowl season, and a sudden retirement — makes him one of the most intriguing figures in recent league storylines. Whether discussing salary analysis, PFF grades, or career choices, Dalman’s profile highlights the unpredictable nature of professional sports careers
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