The Chicago Bears have found their left tackle. It also happens to be the same left tackle they started the 2025 regular season with.
[Per Jeremy Fowler of ESPN](https://x.com/JFowlerESPN/status/2031142061529780630) the Bears are re-signing veteran tackle Braxton Jones to a 1-year $10M deal. The structure is a $5M base salary with an additional $5M in incentives.
This will mark the first true surprise of the Bears’ offseason. While Braxton Jones has been serviceable in the past, he did not look like the same player when coming off his severe ankle injury. Eventually, he was replaced by Theo Benedet, who was then replaced by Ozzy Trapilo.
Braxton went on injured reserve in October, before being activated off IR in January for the Divisional playoff game, but he wasn’t ready to dress in the game.
The hope is now he’s 100% recovered and ready to hold down the fort while Ozzy recovers from his own injury.
That being said, it’s potentially a win/win for both sides. If Braxton Jones plays well, the Bears obviously benefit from keeping a seasoned vet to protect Caleb Williams’ blindside. Additionally, Braxton would see a sizeable chance at a big payday in free agency during the 2027 offseason. This signing does not prevent the Bears from seeking competition at left tackle, either. Particularly with the recent release of Taylor Decker, which was made official a couple of hours ago.
As it stands, the current projected lineup for the Bears’ offensive line is as follows.
Again, there is plenty of free agency left, along with the annual draft to see potential competition brought in. So we shall see if the Bears have another move or two planned thanks to their sound cap management thus far.