The San Francisco 49ers' top offseason roster priorities are at wide receiver and in the pass-rush department, while also possibly seeking a long-term successor to left tackle Trent Williams.
But, there's been some minor grumblings about potentially looking at a long-term replacement and upgrade over incumbent veteran center Jake Brendel, too.
Granted, Brendel probably receives more grief from the fanbase than deserved. While not an elite center by any means, he has been more than serviceable (and present) for a Niners offensive line that's had some inconsistency issues over the past few seasons.
That said, well beyond the wrong side of 30 years old, it might be time for San Francisco to consider Brendel's replacement.
However, if the 49ers were quietly looking to do so this offseason, news stemming from the Chicago Bears might put a stop to any such possibility.
Drew Dalman's retirement means Bears could reset center market, forcing 49ers out
With only days to go before the start of free agency, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported Bears center Drew Dalman was calling it a career after five seasons in the league:
ESPN sources: Bears Pro Bowl center Drew Dalman has informed the team that he is retiring from the NFL at age 27. Dalman left Stanford in 2021, and after four seasons in Atlanta and one in Chicago, he has made the sudden and surprising decision to retire. pic.twitter.com/SKJcXa1res
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 3, 2026
It's quite a shock to an ascending Bears squad, forcing general manager Ryan Poles into a bit of a panic to find a replacement, and Chicago is apparently exploring contingency plans already, reportedly hosting recently released lineman Tyler Biadasz on a visit, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.
But this also ups the market on the biggest high-profile center hitting the market this offseason, the Baltimore Ravens' Tyler Linderbaum, whom the Niners may very well have been considering as a Brendel upgrade as well.
Linderbaum was already poised to have plenty of suitors this offseason, and it's unclear whether San Francisco would get into that mix. However, head coach Kyle Shanahan already has shown a willingness to spend big money on centers before (see: Weston Richburg and Alex Mack), so tossing money in Linderbaum's direction wouldn't have been out of the question.
Except now, Chicago has to be hotly in the mix regardless of what happens with Biadasz.
Dalman's retirement effectively makes the market for centers a much hotter one now than before, meaning the 49ers have to table their desire to replace and upgrade over Brendel.
He'll be the Niners' starting center again in 2026, like it or not.