The Chicago Bears are gearing up for a hyped 2026 season, where they’re looking to build off their impressive first season under head coach Ben Johnson, which included an NFC North title and a wild-card playoff win. While they found success in 2025, it’s a brand new slate for this Bears team following an offseason of change, including the departures of key veterans and the additions of new veterans and exciting rookies.
The work begins in training camp, where Johnson will put his team through the wringer with the intent to prepare them for the 2026 season. Every day from now right up through training camp, we’re counting down our 30 Most Important Bears for the 2026 season. We’ll recap their 2025 season, look ahead to 2026 and tackle the biggest question facing them this year.
Next up at No. 12 is left tackle Braxton Jones, who’s getting another opportunity to start with Ozzy Trapilo expected to miss most of the 2026 season. Can Jones prove his worth in Chicago or perhaps earn a lucrative deal elsewhere with a strong campaign?
Background
Position: Left tackle
Age: 27
Experience: 5th season
2026 cap hit: $4.34 million
2025 recap
Last year, Jones had his worst season with the Bears, which stems back to his injury from the previous season. Jones was still rehabbing from a severe ankle fracture suffered near the end of the 2024 season, and it was clear that he wasn’t his usual self. Still, Jones managed to beat out rookie Ozzy Trapilo, Theo Benedet and Kiran Amegadjie for the starting left tackle job during the summer. But Jones struggled early in the season, allowing two sacks and 15 pressures in four games, before being benched for Theo Benedet in Week 4. Jones also suffered a knee injury in the process and went on to miss the remainder of the season.
Importance in 2026
Just like last summer, Jones will be in a competition for the starting left tackle job — this time with Jedrick Wills Jr., Benedet and Amegadjie — and the favorite to win it. The hope is that things go differently for Jones, who did win the job but lost it by Week 4. While Jones appeared to be on his way out in free agency, Trapilo’s ruptured patellar tendon during the wild-card playoffs threw a wrench into things and forced Chicago to pivot to a new plan that included bringing back Jones on a one-year, $5 million deal. Now, a healthier Jones gets another opportunity to prove himself on the field. The Bears offensive line was among the best in the NFL last season, leading a top-three rushing attack and allowing the second-fewest sacks. It’s imperative that Jones plays up to that standard, especially given there isn’t much proven talent behind him. While it’s unlikely he’s part of the long-term plan for the Bears, a strong outing alongside All-Pro Joe Thuney and this top offensive line could help Jones audition for his next team and a pay bump.
Big Question: Can Jones be a stopgap solution at left tackle?
Following Trapilo’s ruptured patellar tendon, which is excepted to sideline him for most if not the entire 2026 season, the Bears needed a short-term solution at left tackle. Jones made too much sense given he was a solid three-year starter before last season. The key for Jones is health, as he’s been a reliable starter in the past. While it’s easy to look at his struggles last season and write him off, Jones was still rehabbing from injury and never got back to where he was. That doesn’t appear to be the case this year, as head coach Ben Johnson and even former New Orleans Saints tackle Terron Armstead has sang Jones’ praises this offseason. Chicago’s offense was among the best in the NFL last season, and the offensive line was key. Jones needs to prove to be a reliable option this year to ensure Caleb Williams’ continued success. Jones likely isn’t the long-term answer at left tackle for Chicago, but he could make a strong impression for his next team alongside a top offensive line this season.
30 Most Important Bears of 2026
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This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: 30 Most Important Bears of 2026: Braxton Jones (No. 12)
Reporting by Alyssa Barbieri and Brendan Sugrue, Bears Wire / Bears Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Alyssa Barbieri and Brendan Sugrue, Bears Wire | USA TODAY Network
