**Drew Dalman Projected to Leave Falcons in Free Agency: A Look at His Journey and Future Prospects**
Drew Dalman, the young and talented center for the Atlanta Falcons, has been an integral part of the offensive line since his arrival in the NFL. After a standout career at Stanford University, Dalman was drafted by the Falcons in the fourth round of the 2021 NFL Draft. However, as we approach the 2025 offseason, reports suggest that Dalman is likely to leave the Falcons and test free agency. This projection has left many fans and analysts wondering about Dalman’s future, his impact on the Falcons, and what his next steps might be in the NFL.
### **Drew Dalman’s Journey with the Atlanta Falcons**
Dalman’s entry into the NFL was met with significant expectations. As a standout center at Stanford, he was known for his quickness, agility, and high football IQ, which made him a highly sought-after prospect. After being selected by the Falcons in the fourth round, Dalman quickly became a key part of the team’s offensive line. His ability to block in both the run and pass game stood out, and he was given immediate playing time, which only accelerated his development.
In his rookie season, Dalman appeared in 13 games, starting in several of them. While he was not yet considered one of the top centers in the league, he showed flashes of the potential that made him an attractive prospect. His ability to read defenses, his awareness of blitz schemes, and his work ethic helped him gain respect within the Falcons’ locker room. However, like many young players, Dalman faced some growing pains, particularly when it came to handling the more powerful defensive linemen in the NFL. Nonetheless, his perseverance and dedication to improvement were clear to anyone watching.
Dalman continued to develop over his second and third years in the league, earning more starting opportunities and gaining the trust of the coaching staff. While the Falcons’ offense has had its ups and downs, Dalman’s steady presence on the offensive line provided a level of consistency that allowed the team to remain competitive in several games. As the Falcons moved through their rebuilding process, Dalman’s role became even more important, particularly in terms of anchoring the line for young quarterbacks and running backs.
### **Why is Dalman Projected to Leave in Free Agency?**
As we move closer to the 2025 offseason, many NFL insiders and analysts are projecting that Dalman will leave the Falcons and test free agency. While Dalman has been a valuable member of the team, there are several factors that may contribute to his decision to seek a new contract elsewhere.
#### **1. Financial Considerations**
One of the most significant factors influencing Dalman’s potential departure is the financial landscape of the NFL. As an emerging player, Dalman will likely be seeking a contract that reflects his growth and value to a team. The Falcons, though rebuilding and improving, are still facing salary cap constraints. They have several key players to manage, including star quarterback Desmond Ridder and running back Bijan Robinson, who will require significant investments.
With the Falcons’ current roster construction and long-term plans, it’s possible that they may not have the cap space to offer Dalman the kind of contract he’s looking for. As a result, Dalman may decide to explore free agency, where he could land a more lucrative deal with a team that is willing to invest in him as their centerpiece on the offensive line. This would allow him to maximize his earnings and potentially secure a long-term deal that sets him up for financial security.
#### **2. The Falcons’ Rebuilding Process**
While the Falcons have made strides in their rebuild, they are still in the early stages of reshaping their roster. The offensive line, in particular, has been a focus of the team’s efforts, with the front office selecting multiple high-profile players in recent drafts. As the team continues to develop and refine its offensive line, there may be a shift in the starting lineup that pushes Dalman into a more expendable role.
The Falcons have invested significant draft capital into offensive linemen, including first-round picks and high-value selections. If the Falcons choose to go in a different direction with their offensive line and bring in fresh talent, Dalman may not be viewed as a core piece of the future. This could be a motivating factor for him to leave in search of a team where he will have a more prominent role and greater job security.
#### **3. Team Needs and Scheme Fit**
Another consideration in Dalman’s potential departure from the Falcons is the fit between his skill set and the Falcons’ offensive scheme. Dalman has shown versatility throughout his career, but his best attributes are his ability to move in space and block on the move, which suits a zone-blocking scheme. The Falcons, however, have relied heavily on a power running game with a more traditional, downhill approach under head coach Arthur Smith.
While Dalman has been effective in this system, he may be better suited to a different offensive scheme that emphasizes mobility, finesse, and athleticism in the offensive line. A team that runs a more zone-heavy system may view Dalman as a better fit, leading to a departure from the Falcons in favor of a more complementary offensive style.
#### **4. The Market for Centers in Free Agency**
Dalman’s potential departure is also tied to the overall market for centers in free agency. The 2025 free-agent class is expected to feature several talented centers, and Dalman could find himself competing with other high-level players at his position for a new contract. His solid performance with the Falcons, particularly in his second and third seasons, will likely make him an appealing option for teams in need of a starting center.
There are also a number of teams with significant cap space and a need for a reliable center, which could further drive up Dalman’s value. If he receives strong interest from other teams, the Falcons may be unable to match the offers presented to him, leading to his departure.
### **What’s Next for Drew Dalman?**
While it’s still early in the process, the outlook for Drew Dalman in free agency appears to be promising. Should he leave the Falcons, he will likely enter free agency with a strong resume and the potential to secure a starting role on another team. His versatility and ability to play in various schemes will make him a highly coveted asset for several franchises.
Dalman’s future will depend on several factors, including the interest he receives from other teams, his own preferences in terms of location and system fit, and the type of contract he seeks. He could land with a team in need of a proven center who can provide stability and leadership on the offensive line. Alternatively, he could choose to stay with the Falcons if they are able to offer him a competitive contract that aligns with their future goals.
### **Conclusion**
Drew Dalman has had a solid and promising career with the Atlanta Falcons thus far, but as he approaches free agency, his future remains uncertain. The financial realities of the NFL, the Falcons’ rebuilding process, and the potential for a better scheme fit elsewhere all play roles in the likelihood of Dalman leaving the Falcons in 2025. Regardless of where he ends up, Dalman’s skill set and determination will continue to make him a valuable asset in the NFL, and his next chapter promises to be an exciting one.
