How Braxton Jones officially secured Chicago Bears’ starting LT job

By the end of the 2025 season, it appeared as if left tackle Braxton Jones’ time with the Chicago Bears was coming to a close. But after Ozzy Trapilo’s injury, he was re-signed to a one-year deal.

Now, Jones has won the left tackle battle entering the 2026 season. The biggest difference for him came in joint practices with the Cincinnati Bengals and Tennessee Titans. He was able to see how he stacks up against live, NFL competition, via Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune.

“I think the joint practices were both stepping stones in the right direction,” Jones said. “From a year ago to now, I’m proud of myself for having better practices and just feeling better after the practices.

“(Tennessee) was a big confidence block in building toward the season and being in alignment with what the whole team wants, finishing and being strong toward the end,” he continued. “It was big for myself realizing I can do a lot of things that I probably couldn’t a year ago. Both practices were very positive. I’m grateful to go out there and execute on a higher level than I did a year ago.”

Trapilo has made a stunning recovery from his patellar tendon injury and is on the 53-man roster to start the season. While he will still need more time to ramp up, Jones will need to play at his best to keep the left tackle job long-term.

Braxton Jones reclaims Bears’ LT job 

Jones started double digit games for the Bears over his first three years with the team, including 13 as a rookie. He has shown flashes of brilliance, including a 77.4 grade from Pro Football Focus that ranked 21/81 tackles in 2024.

However, injuries have taken a major bite out of Jones’ career. He played in 11 games during the 2023 season and 12 in 2024. During the 2025 season, the tackle was limited to six games due to a knee injury. That’s what led to Trapilo overtaking him as a starter.

In 2026 though, Jones is now fully healthy. He has regained the trust of the coaching staff. Now, he must prove to be an ample force on quarterback Caleb Williams’ blindside. The Bears cannot afford to have any weak links across their offensive line.

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