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Drew Dalman walks off the field after a game in 2022. Photo: Justin Casterline/Getty Images
The Chicago Bears have reloaded this offseason in an effort to protect second-year quarterback Caleb Williams.
The latest: Former Atlanta Falcons offensive lineman Drew Dalman becomes the second-highest-paid center in the league with a reported three-year, $42 million deal with the Bears, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
- Dalman is only 26 and started 40 games for the Falcons over the last three seasons.
Why it matters: Retooling the offensive line was a priority for new head coach Ben Johnson. Williams was sacked 68 times last year, good for the third most in a season in NFL history.
Zoom in: Dalman joins Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson, who were traded for before free agency began, to anchor the Bears revamped offensive line.
- The team also reached agreements on contracts with special teams standouts Josh Blackwell and Amen Ogbongbemiga.
Zoom out: A Khalil Mack reunion in Chicago will not happen. Mack resigned with the L.A. Chargers.
What’s next: NFL teams can officially start signing players on Wednesday.
Editor’s note: This is a developing story.
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