The NFL world was shocked by Pro Bowl center Drew Dalman's sudden retirement, leaving the Chicago Bears scrambling.
The Bears experienced one of their best season in years last season in their first season under Ben Johnson, and the re-tooled offensive line was a key component of that.
Star quarterback Caleb Johnson took a big leap in his sophomore season, and the running game rushed for 144.5 yards per game, the third-highest in the NFL last season.
It is still unknown why Dalman ultimately decided to hang it up at age 27, leaving $28 million on the table, but it has left the Bears in a tight spot.
The Bears aren't in panic mode yet, but two former Hawkeyes could easily fill the newly-created vacancy at the center position.
The case for the Bears to sign free agent Tyler Linderbaum
The Baltimore Ravens made the questionable decision to not sign three-time Pro Bowler Tyler Linderbaum to a contract extension, allowing him to become an unrestricted free agent.
Linderbaum is widely considered to be the top free-agent center on the free-agent market, and the Bears will have to open up the checkbook to lure Linderbaum to the Windy City.
Linderbaum will be in high demand this offseason, but if the Bears want to continue their recent success on offense, they must sign him.
The Ravens ranked just ahead of the Bears in rushing yards per game last season, and it is well-documented that Ben Johnson loves to run the ball.
The case for the Bears to draft Logan Jones in the upcoming NFL Draft
Logan Jones and the Iowa offensive line earned the Joe Moore Award last season, and he took home the Rimington Trophy, given to the best center in college football.
The Bears did acquire a second-round pick after recently trading wide receiver DJ Moore, but they need more help on the defensive side of the ball, especially at edge, defensive line, and linebacker.
If the Bears don't end up trading for Maxx Croby, they could easily focus on defense with their first and two second-round picks, and scoop Jones up in the third round.
Jones would definitely be the cheaper of the two options and would give the Bears the financial flexibility to address other areas.
He also gives them a premier zone-blocking center who proved his athletic abilities at the Combine.
Regardless if the Bears open the checkbook for Linderbaum or draft Jones, the Bears should heavily pursue these two former Hawkeye greats.