Who Will Anchor the Middle of the Chicago Bears Offensive Line in 2026?
Coming off a historic season, emotions were at an all-time high in Chicago. There were some holes on the team, but the Bears were in a position where they would be able to address most of them. However, the 2026 offseasons just got a whole lot more complicated as Drew Dalman announced his shocking retirement at 27-years-old. The former Pro Bowl center had just come off his first season after signing a three-year deal with Chicago and was crucial to the rebuilding of the offensive line. Center now becomes a critical need. With this in mind, the team has already been linked to a few intriguing names.
Tyler Linderbaum was selected in the first round by the Baltimore Ravens in 2022. The Ravens are making an effort to keep him, so it is unknown what his status will be. He has quickly risen to stardom as he has made the Pro Bowl three times. Additionally, his availability has been a strength as he has played in a total of 66 games in four seasons. The 25-year-old is often regarded as one of the best centers available in free agency. However, as a result, he is expected to get a contract that is worth at least $20 million a year. The former Iowa Hawkeye would be pricey, but he would also secure the position for years to come. Chicago may not be able to afford the high price tag right now, but if they free up enough cap space, then he would be the ideal top target.
Similar to Linderbaum, Tyler Biadasz is a former Pro Bowler. The 28-year-old was recently released by the Washington Commanders as they look to retool their roster. While he may not be on the same level as Dalman and Linderbaum, he is still a strong option at the center position. The other bonus is that he should be a cheaper option, which is critical for a team lacking cap space. The former fourth-round pick has also been reliable, appearing in a total of 92 games in his six seasons. As a veteran, Biadasz would slot in nicely to the offensive line, and if he signs a shorter deal, then it would allow the team time to find a center of the future. However, he is still young enough that if they truly trust him, then he could fill that need for the next few years.
A third, and potentially the cheapest option, is Graham Glasgow. The 33-year-old was recently released by the Detroit Lions in an effort to save cap space. Due to his age, if he chooses not to retire, then he could be an ideal short-term, inexpensive target. The 10-year veteran has spent seven of those seasons with the Lions, meaning he was also with the team when Ben Johnson served as the offensive coordinator, which makes him familiar with the system. He has played both guard and center in his career, so his flexibility would be another valuable factor. If Chicago wishes to draft a young option, Glasgow would serve as a solid bridge player for a year or two. It may not be as flashy as the other two, but it could still be a quality move.
Regardless of the path they choose, prioritizing center would signal a continued commitment to protecting Caleb Williams and strengthening the offensive foundation. In a division where defensive fronts can dominate games, having a reliable anchor in the middle is not optional; it is essential. The stunning retirement of Dalman moves the center position up to one of the most crucial needs this offseason. Whether it is one of these three or another option, the Bears are in a spot where they need to invest in the heartbeat of their offensive line. The once locked-up position now becomes one of the biggest stories in Chicago to follow during the 2026 offseason.
