Chicago Bears offensive lineman put on notice before Week 1

While quarterback Caleb Williams is the focal point of the Chicago Bears offense, he can’t do everything alone. Which is why the team has invested so heavily on their offense line.

Left tackle was the one spot where there were questions, leading to a four-man battle in training camp. Braxton Jones ultimately came out on top and will be the Week 1 starter barring injury. But that doesn’t mean he is out of the woods. Jones was listed as one of the players under the most pressure in 2026, via Bill Barnwell of ESPN.

“Needing a short-term solution at left tackle, the Bears then re-signed Jones to a one-year, $5 million deal, and he looks like the favorite to start there ahead of Benedet and Trapilo in Week 1,” Barnwell wrote. “Trapilo will eventually regain the starting job once healthy, but Jones is essentially on display for the league’s other 31 teams for as long as he’s on the field at left tackle in Chicago.”

“Given how many teams desperately need left tackle solutions, if Jones can stay healthy and play well, I’d expect him to have a real market in 2027,” he concluded. “There’s just a lot of road ahead of that scenario”

Chicago Bears’ Braxton Jones gets second chance

Based on how the 2025 season, Ozzy Trapilo would likely be starting at left tackle if he were healthy. However, a patellar tendon injury sent him to the sidelines. Trapilo did make a miraculous recovery and is on the 53-man roster. But he still has some hurdles to leap before making his full injury return.

In the meantime, Jones will be at left tackle, offering him a true opportunity to prove himself. There have been clear flashes of brilliance throughout his career, including a 77.4 grade from Pro Football Focus in 2024 that ranked 21/81 tackles.

Injuries have been the biggest red flag on Jones’ game. Knee injuries and poor performance limited him to six games in 2025. The tackle played in just 12 in 2024 and 11 in 2023.

Chicago is counting on Jones to return to form in 2026. Other teams around the league will be watching as well. If he can stay healthy and be a formidable force on Williams’ blindside, Jones will again be in the NFL’s good graces.

The post Chicago Bears offensive lineman put on notice before Week 1 appeared first on ChiCitySports.