Should the Chicago Bears Feel Confident About Their Offensive Line Heading into 2026?
In 2025, the Chicago Bears saw one of their best seasons in recent history. One of the major reasons for this was the offensive performance, as they averaged 25.9 points per game, which was ninth best in the league. Chicago also averaged the 10th most passing yards per game and the third most rushing yards per game. None of this success would have been possible without the performance of the offensive line. However, there remains considerable uncertainty heading into 2026.
The Bears are set to have only three of their normal starting offensive line returns. The guard position will be the exact same. Veterans Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson are both back after starting every game this past season. Additionally, right tackle Darnell Wright is returning and hoping to see continued growth in his fourth season. Those three were major components in the offense, and all played at a high quality level. If Chicago wishes to continue their offensive success, then these three players need to have a strong year, as the offensive line needs time to build its chemistry.
The biggest change Chicago is seeing is in the center position. Drew Dalman shocked many fans when he announced his retirement earlier this offseason. This was a critical loss as he played in all 17 games and was serving as the anchor of the offense. The Bears acted quickly by trading with the New England Patriots to acquire Garrett Bradbury. While Bradbury is not on the same level as Dalman, he comes in with valuable experience. The former first-round pick has started a total of 105 games across even years. This does give him the ability to help adjust protection based on what he sees on the field. His ability in the run game should help Chicago stay dominant in that aspect of the game. His low cost also allows the team to explore other options, either in the draft or free agency. At the very least, the 30-year-old center solidified the offensive line for this year.
One of the most interesting storylines to follow the rest of the offseason will be the left tackle competition. It is not known when Ozzy Trapilo will return from injury, so Chicago is exploring all options to see who can step up and solidify the position in 2026. There are some familiar options with Theo Benedet and Braxton Jones, who both started games this past season. They offer familiarity and continued chemistry with the current starters. The team also signed Jedrick Wills Jr, who is a former first-round pick. He does offer a ton of potential, but has struggled to show it consistently throughout his career so far. If the team could find a way to unlock his talent, then he could fill in nicely. None of these three are elite players, but all could be serviceable starters.
Losing two offensive linemen is difficult to come back from. In addition to losing high-quality players, it messes with the team chemistry. However, Chicago had done a good job of acting quickly and bringing in options. The offensive line may not be as strong as it was in 2025, but it still offers plenty of experience and quality play. It is unlikely to be an instant success, as they need time and good coaching to adapt to the offensive system. As long as the rest of the offense continues to grow, and Ben Johnson continues to bring creative plays, then there should be no reason that the Bears take a major step back in 2026.
