As the Atlanta Falcons gear up for a pivotal offseason, one major question looms: What will happen with center Drew Dalman? A mainstay in the middle of Atlanta’s offensive line for the past three years, Dalman is heading into unrestricted free agency, and his future with the team remains uncertain.
A Dependable Force in the Trenches
Drafted in the fourth round of the 2021 NFL Draft, Dalman has developed into a reliable starter. Across 57 career games, including 40 starts, the 26-year-old has become a key piece of Atlanta’s offensive line. When healthy, Dalman has been a constant presence, snapping the ball to five different quarterbacks over three years and helping pave the way for Atlanta’s dynamic run game.
Despite missing time with ankle injuries in 2023 and 2024, Dalman posted an impressive 78.8 overall grade from Pro Football Focus (PFF) this season, ranking fourth among all centers. His run-blocking was particularly strong, earning a 79.8 grade (fifth-best at his position), while his pass-blocking grade (66.6) leaves room for improvement.
Dalman’s Perspective on Free Agency
When asked about his impending free agency, Dalman stayed tight-lipped, opting not to share specific details:
“I’m not really going to discuss that kind of stuff. Pretty personal, and it’s team related.”
While reserved in his comments, Dalman made it clear he’s valued his time in Atlanta:
“It’s been an awesome experience, and I hope it continues. Playing with incredible teammates and having incredible coaches, I’ve enjoyed and savored every bit of it.”
Falcons’ Options and Challenges
Atlanta faces a critical decision on Dalman. His solid performances have cemented him as one of the top young centers in the league, but re-signing him could come at a hefty price.
The Falcons’ offensive line is otherwise stable, with left tackle Jake Matthews, left guard Matthew Bergeron, right guard Chris Lindstrom, and right tackle Kaleb McGary all under contract for 2025. Backup center Ryan Neuzil, a restricted free agent, represents a potential in-house replacement, but his experience pales in comparison to Dalman’s.
The Market for Dalman
With a league-wide need for dependable offensive linemen, Dalman could draw significant interest in free agency. Centers with his PFF grades and consistent performance don’t hit the market often. The Falcons will need to decide whether to prioritize retaining Dalman or use their resources elsewhere.
What’s Next for Atlanta and Dalman?
Retaining Dalman would ensure continuity for an offensive line that has been one of Atlanta’s strengths. However, with Dalman’s value at an all-time high, the Falcons could face stiff competition. Whether they meet his asking price or roll the dice with a younger, less experienced option like Neuzil remains to be seen.
Falcons fans will have to wait and see if Drew Dalman continues to snap the ball in Atlanta or takes his talents to a new NFL home in 2025.