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Going into last offseason, left tackle was one of the biggest question marks for the Bears' roster. Despite adding Jonah Jackson, Joe Thuney, and Drew Dalman to improve the line, left tackle was still a struggle.
After Braxton Jones won the starting job, he was replaced by Theo Benedet, who was then replaced by rookie Ozzy Trapilo before he got hurt. In the final game of the year, the Bears opted to move Joe Thuney to left tackle for that matchup against the Rams. Now, Chicago is left in a spot where they need to try and figure out left tackle, but the options could be scarce this offseason.
Chicago could look at the draft to fix the solution. They hold the No. 25 overall pick, but would they be able to find a solution there? How about day two of the draft? At that rate, a player selected there likely isn't ready to start right away at left tackle. The free-agent options are slim as well.
Cam Robinson and Kelvin Beachum are the top options at tackle this offseason, but the Bears also need to be smart with their money. Is either a long-term solution for the Bears? It would have to be at the right price for Ryan Poles.
As for what's on the roster right now, Trapilo is not expected to be ready for Week 1 with his injury, which leaves Benedet as the primary option right now. They could decide to bring back Braxton Jones on a one-year deal but I have to wonder if that relationship soured a bit after last season. It might be better for both sides to move on.
Then there's the option of moving Darnell Wright to the left side and finding a new right tackle. It's something the Bears have brought up in the past, including last offseason, but nothing really materialized. Wright is coming off an All-Pro season on the right side and do you want to try and mess that up? The Bears would need a sure-fire replacement at right tackle to even think about that, which is possible.
Moving Thuney there could work as well but I imagine the Bears want him to remain at guard.