The NFL world is on fire right now as the legal tampering period officially opened up. Teams are wasting no time getting deals done, and the Atlanta Falcons lost one of their best players.
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Chicago Bears are signing center Drew Dalman to a three-year, $42 million deal, including $28 million guaranteed.
ESPN sources: Former Falcons center Drew Dalman reached agreement today on a three-year, $42 million deal that includes $28 million guaranteed with the Chicago Bears. The deal makes Dalman the NFL’s second-highest center. Steve Caric of Wasserman negotiated the deal with Bears GM…
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 10, 2025
Leading into free agency, there were rumors that the Falcons were preparing to lose Dalman, and it happened within the first hour of the tampering period.
Despite Dalman receiving $14 million annually from the Bears, this is a big-time loss for the Falcons and hurts the development of quarterback Michael Penix Jr.
Last season, Dalman was one of the best players at his position. He logged a 78.8 overall grade (4th among 64 eligible centers), 66.6 pass-blocking grade (22nd among 64 eligible centers), and 79.8 run-blocking grade (5th among 64 eligible centers).
He was exceptional as a run-blocker and owned the short area quickness to climb to the second level. Even though he missed time with an ankle injury, he gave the Falcons a reliable force upfront.
With Dalman gone, the Falcons have a massive hole along their offensive line. And that doesn't bode well for Penix Jr.
Keeping your quarterback protected is the main priority, and the Falcons let one of their best offensive linemen leave the building. Penix Jr. isn't known for his athleticism or speed. He suffered two torn ACLs in college, which have impacted his mobility.
The Washington product owns a live and accurate arm, but he won't get to showcase that if he's under constant duress. The Falcons must make it a priority to land a quality replacement for Dalman if they want to be a good team in 2025.
Everything starts and ends with the trenches in the NFL.