The Bears Offensive Line Looks Different in 2026, but Can They Still Dominate?
In 2025, one of the Chicago Bears' biggest strengths was the offensive line. Ben Johnson relied on the physical run game to create more opportunities in the pass game. The offensive line's dominance also gave Caleb Williams a clean pocket, a much-needed improvement after 2024. Combining this stability with his unique playmaking ability led to an explosive offense. The performance led Chicago to win the division and eliminate the Green Bay Packers from the playoffs. Now, the Bears will have to find a way to maintain that success with a significantly different offensive line in 2026.
Drew Dalman’s Retirement Changes Everything at Center
The biggest difference will be the starting center. Drew Dalman's shocking retirement leaves the Bears in a desperate position. They quickly reacted by trading for Garrett Bradbury, and then drafting Logan Jones in the second round of the 2026 NFL Draft. Following these additions, it became clear that the starting center battle could play a crucial role in 2026. Little news has come out recently, but it appears that Bradbury will begin the year as the starter. Chicago is relying on the veteran to slot into the offensive line while giving the rookie more time to develop. He will play a crucial role by working with Williams before the snap. The veteran center gives them a reliable player who can offer solid play.
Chicago’s Guards Could Keep the Interior from Falling Apart
Luckily for Bradbury, the rest of the interior offensive line remained the same. Joe Thuney is one of the best guards in the NFL, which should help with communication across the unit. Jonah Jackson is another very solid player who is more than capable of handling defenders. Last season, Chicago had one of the best interior groups in the league. This year, it may take a step back, but it should still be above average. Having one of the best guard duos is a luxury for any team, but it is especially useful for a team working in a new center.
Darnell Wright Gives the Bears One Certainty at Tackle
At tackle, however, the Bears’ outlook becomes far more complicated, with one side looking like a strength and the other emerging as one of Chicago’s biggest question marks. On one hand, Darnell Wright is back for another season. His growth in Chicago has been promising, as he has developed into one of the league’s most formidable and reliable right tackles. This led to a four-year, $116 million extension for the 25-year-old. In 2026, the former first-round pick will look to prove he is worth the cost by continuing his elite play. Even if the former Tennessee standout has reached his peak, he is still a very talented piece on the offensive line.
Left Tackle Is Where Chicago’s Protection Plan Gets Nervous
Unfortunately, the other side of the offensive line is not as promising. The left tackle battle has been one of the most talked-about things in Chicago this offseason. Ozzy Trapilo was initially expected to miss most, if not all, of the 2026 season after suffering a ruptured patellar tendon in his left knee. This injury immediately threw Chicago’s plans at left tackle into uncertainty. This led to an intense competition, where Braxton Jones ended up winning an underwhelming race. None of the competitors looked great, making it a major concern. However, Trapilo seems to be ahead of schedule. While the former Boston College standout could still miss time early in the season, his accelerated recovery has opened the door for the former second-round pick to make a return once thought unlikely in 2026. Jones will start for now, and in past years, he looked solid. The Bears need him to be serviceable, which playing next to Thuney should help.
The Bears’ Offensive Ceiling May Depend on This New-Look Line
One of the most important factors for any offense is the offensive line. It is the backbone of the run game and crucial for pass protection. Chicago’s offensive line was a driving force behind its success in 2025. Still, a sudden retirement and significant injuries have transformed a proven strength into one of the offense’s biggest questions entering 2026. They still have plenty of talent, but it remains to be seen if they can hold up. If the new-look offensive line plays solid, then the Bears should be able to showcase their explosive offense. However, without proper protection, we could see them take a massive step back. Ultimately, the Bears' offensive line may look different in 2026, but its performance will be a major factor in determining how successful this offense can be.
