Who Can Step Up at Left Tackle for the Chicago Bears in 2026?
After a strong season, the Chicago Bears are seeking ways to stay competitive in 2026. A top priority is maintaining offensive momentum after ranking ninth in points per game this past season. However, they may face 2026 without their starting left tackle, Ozzy Trapilo, who is recovering from a patellar tendon injury. Questions remain around whether the Bears can expect their tackle's return in 2026. If not, the team has several alternatives to evaluate.
The first, and possibly most likely option, is Braxton Jones. The 27-year-old re-signed with Chicago on a one-year, five-million-dollar deal. 2026 will be Jones' fifth year after being drafted in 2022. During his time with the team, he has started 44 games. He was never a player who looked elite, but he provided a quality player nearly every time he stepped on the field. Heading into 2025, the Utah native was starting at left tackle, but was benched early in the season. He then struggled with injuries, limiting him to only six games. However, despite the benching, Chicago's decision to bring him back shows the belief they have in him. The former fifth-round pick has plenty of valuable experience and is familiar with the system, which means he likely stabilizes the offensive line more than any of the current options. If he can stay healthy, he would certainly be a quality short-term option to fill in until Trapilo can return.
Another returning option is Theo Benedet. The 24-year-old made his NFL debut this past season and started a total of eight games. He served as the starter until Trapilo broke out and took the job. Even then, Benedet would still appear consistently as a sixth offensive lineman or extra blocker when Chicago went with a larger unit on the field. Similar to Jones, he re-signed with the Bears on a one-year, one-million-dollar deal. He is the option with the most familiarity with the Ben Johnson system, and often looked like a quality option when on the field, especially in the run game. Unfortunately, the six-foot-seven Canadian native did struggle in pass protection. His young age and ability in the run game give him a strong chance to win the starting spot. While Jones may be a safer option, Benedet holds more upside. If he can become more consistent in pass protection, then it may be his job to lose.
The final option currently on the roster is Jedrick Wills Jr. The former first-round pick spent the first five seasons of his career with the Cleveland Browns. Over the first three seasons, he started a total of 45 games; however, in the past two years, he has been limited to 12 starts. Inconsistent play and injuries derailed his career, leading the Browns to move on from him. Chicago then signed the 26-year-old to a one-year deal. Right now, he likely has a large hill to climb to catch up with the other options. He is also the least known, as he is the only one who has not played in the system. However, as a former first-round pick, his upside is greater than the others. If the Kentucky native can live up to his potential, he would be a strong option to serve as the team's left tackle and could even be a long-term solution, depending on his play.
Losing Trapilo for the season would be the worst-case scenario. If that situation does arise, Chicago has prepared itself with a plethora of options. The combination of familiar faces and a former first-round pick creates potential and stability. None of them may bring the same quality of play that Trapilo offered, but they are all more than capable of filling in. The fact that they are all on small deals also does not prevent the team from considering alternative options. If the Bears want to keep their momentum going into 2026, then they are going to need the offensive line to be as good as it was last season. The battle for the starting left tackle job is going to be one of the most crucial storylines to follow as the offseason continues.
