Falcons Brace for Potential Loss of Center Drew Dalman in Free Agency

ATLANTA, Ga. — The Atlanta Falcons are preparing for the possibility of losing center Drew Dalman as he approaches free agency in March. After a standout performance since being drafted in the fourth round in 2021, insiders indicate that Dalman may secure a lucrative deal elsewhere, leaving the Falcons to explore their options moving forward.

Dalman has been a key player for the Falcons since stepping into a starting role in 2022. Over the past three seasons, he has played in more than 40 games and established himself as one of the premier run-blocking centers in the NFL. Despite missing 11 games due to injury over the past two seasons, his consistent play has drawn attention from various teams ahead of this offseason.

According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the Falcons are bracing for Dalman’s departure. “The Falcons are prepared to lose center Drew Dalman in free agency,” he reported. “They’d like to have him back but are concerned he can get more money elsewhere.” Fowler suggests Dalman could earn a deal similar to Kansas City Chiefs center Creed Humphrey, who recently signed a four-year, $72 million contract.

Although Dalman has missed significant time due to injuries, including eight games during the 2024 season, his performance has remained impressive. He ranked as the second-best center in the league among those who played over 500 snaps in 2023, showcasing solid skills in both run and pass protection.

Should Dalman ultimately sign elsewhere, the Falcons have already identified Ryan Neuzil as a potential replacement. Neuzil, who previously filled in for Dalman during his injuries, has been a restricted free agent and could be re-signed for a lower cost. “They feel good about tendering restricted free agent center Ryan Neuzil and making him the Dalman replacement,” a source stated.

Additionally, the Falcons may consider recruiting Jovaughn Gwyn, a backup center who has spent time on the practice squad, to bolster their options. Though he has yet to see substantial playing time, his development has been viewed positively by the Falcons’ organization.

Free agency opens on March 12, and while the depth of available centers is shallow, teams like the Chicago Bears could provide opportunities for player swaps if they also pursue Dalman. A potential swap could lead the Falcons to consider signing accessible veterans like Coleman Shelton or Wes Schweitzer, who have experience as starters.

Looking towards the draft, the Falcons may also explore selecting a center prospect to ensure a stable future. With talk of making strategic selections late in the draft, the team understands the need to find a capable player who can adapt and succeed in the starting role eventually.

As the Falcons navigate the upcoming free agency, they find themselves at a crossroads. Losing a player like Dalman could significantly impact their offensive stability, especially with second-year quarterback Michael Penix Jr. ready to take the helm. While the organization feels confident about the next steps, fans should prepare for the possibility of saying goodbye to one of their most consistent performers.