Dalman, just 27 years old, was part of the Bears’ aforementioned O-line transformation a year ago. He signed a three-year contract to join Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson as rookies, and the influx of big bodies worked to perfection.
While some of that was also a byproduct of his development, Williams went from 68 sacks as a rookie to 24 in 2025, and PFF ranked Chicago’s third-best unit in the NFL. Dalman made his first Pro Bowl while ranking as PFF’s sixth-best overall quarterback (77.5) and seventh-best run blocker in the middle (78.9).
He started the entire regular season and both playoffs for the Bears, and his surprise decision will certainly require a recalibration in Chicago after losing such a reliable blocker.
A fourth-round pick of the Atlanta Falcons in 2021, Dalman is retiring after 74 career games and 57 starts.