Drew

Dalman

Dalman had just landed a three-year, $42 million contract from the Bears last offseason, so this stunning move shakes up their interior line continuity badly. Dalman finished his lone season with the Bears with a 72.6 PFF offensive grade, his third year in a row rating as a quality center. He was named to the Pro Bowl for his efforts. This is a legitimate stunner — rarely do you see a 27-year-old stepping away in the prime of his career on a great contract. The Bears are now back on the center market after thinking they solved the position last offseason.

Dalman was regarded as the top center on the market. Fox Sports’ Jordan Schultz reported over the weekend that the Bears could be a “serious suitor” for Dalman, which now proves to be true, as the fifth-year center joins Ben Johnson’s Bears on a three-year deal that includes $28 million in guaranteed money. The Bears have moved swiftly this offseason to tighten up their interior offensive line for Caleb Williams, adding guards Jonah Jackson and Joe Thuney last week, now striking for the top center in free agency.

Dalman has been the Falcons’ starting center for the past four seasons and is now set to hit free agency. There is strong interest in him from other teams. Expect the 26-year-old Dalman to receive a high-end deal for the center position, with the Bears a logical landing spot after they already upgraded both guard spots with Jonah Jackson and Joe Thuney this offseason.

In addition to Andersen, defensive tackle Grady Jarrett (Achilles) has also been removed from the injury report and will play on Sunday. The Falcons will have two of their top defenders in place against a Saints offense that has already lost Rashid Shaheed for the season and is expected to be without Chris Olave (concussion). Center Drew Dalman (ankle) is also questionable for Week 10 but was a full participant in Friday’s practice.

Andersen was limited in practice this week but has a chance to suit up for the first time since Week 4. His return would be a welcomed one for a Falcons defense that ranks 19th in points and yards allowed per game, and has struggled recently against the running game. In addition to Andersen, the Falcons also listed C Drew Dalman (ankle) and LG Chris Lindstrom(knee) as questionable.

Dalman has a chance to return this week, having practiced in a limited capacity through Wednesday and Thursday. The 5-3 Falcons are in first place in the NFC South. The talented run-blocker’s presence would be a boon for the Falcons’ Week 9 rushing attack.

Dalman landed on injured reserve after injuring his ankle against the Chiefs in Week 3. Dalman can be a liability in pass protection but maintains a high level of play as a run blocker, earning an 84.5 PFF run-blocking grade in 3-of-4 NFL seasons. Dalman can be activated to the game-day roster at any time, within his 21-day practice window. His return bodes positively for the Falcons’ run game.

He will, as always, miss at least the next four games. Ryan Neuzil, a 2021 UDFA from Appalachian State, will be next man up for the Falcons in Dalman’s absence. Dalman had a 90.5 PFF run block grade in 2023 and, through three games, had a 84.5 PFF run block grade this season. It’s a clear downgrade for Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier’s line.

Dalman and right tackle Kaleb McGary both suffered injuries in the loss, with McGary also at risk of missing some time. It’s a brutal blow to an offensive line that’s being counted on to hold up for Kirk Cousins as he continues to return from a torn Achilles suffered last season. Cousins has taken just five sacks on 36 pressures this year, but could face added pressure in the coming weeks if two of his starting linemen are out. Backup center Ryan Neuzil replaced Dalman in Sunday’s contest and played on 42 snaps.

Dalman and Matt Hennessy engaged in a camp battle for the position, and though Hennessy seemed to get plenty of reps with the ones, Dalman appears to have emerged victorious. The 2021 fourth-rounder struggled in the 2022 preseason, posting a 40.8 PFF grade. He did play better in the regular season in 2021, but in a sample of just 68 offensive snaps. Atlanta’s offensive line looks likely to remain a rough patch in 2022.