The Chicago Bears didn't need long to find their starting center for 2025.
Roughly 20 minutes into the NFL's legal tampering period, the Bears agreed to terms on a three-year contract, $42 million with veteran center Drew Dalman, announcing the move on the second day of the new league year on March 13.
Now, they are making a move to secure some depth behind Dalman.
On Tuesday, the Bears announced they had signed backup center Doug Kramer Jr. to a one-year contract extension, effectively offering him a chance to win a roster spot as a backup interior offensive lineman during the 2025 season.
Kramer — a 2022 sixth-round pick — has spent the majority of the past three seasons with the Bears, opening last season as their backup center behind Coleman Shelton. He also took snaps at left guard and fullback in 2024.
Unfortunately for Kramer, he is best known for his costly mistakes at fullback.
Kramer's first error came when the Bears tried to get creative and hand off the ball to him on the goal-line against the Washington Commanders in Week 8. He and quarterback Caleb Williams fumbled the exchange, allowing Washington to take possession with 6:18 left in the fourth quarter, leading 12-7.
Kramer also failed to report as eligible while coming into the game at fullback against the Minnesota Vikings on Monday Night Football, drawing a penalty that nullified a 1-yard touchdown run from running back D'Andre Swift.
While Kramer could get a clean slate with Chicago's new coaching staff, winning a roster spot will be much more difficult in 2025 than it was in 2024.
The Bears have added three veteran starters — Joe Thuney, Dalman and Jonah Jackson — to the interior of their offensive line. They have also added former draft picks Ricky Stromberg and Jordan McFadden into the mix alongside veteran Ryan Bates, who returns after injuries cost him most of last season.
For now, though, Kramer still has a shot at staying
