Chicago Bears Face Uncertainty at Left Tackle Heading into Offseason
The Chicago Bears are entering the offseason with a glaring question mark at one of the most critical positions on the field: left tackle. Injuries and inconsistent play have left the team scrambling for answers, and the situation has only grown more complicated following the latest update on rookie Ozzy Trapilo.
Trapilo’s Injury Complicates Plans For The Chicago Bears
Ozzy Trapilo, the Chicago Bears’ promising rookie left tackle, showed significant progress during the season after overcoming a rocky start. However, his development was cut short by a patellar tendon injury sustained during the Wild Card Round against the Green Bay Packers. Trapilo has since undergone surgery, and his recovery timeline remains uncertain. Patellar tendon injuries are notoriously difficult to rehab, and there’s a real possibility that Trapilo won’t be ready for the start of the 2026 season.
Even before the injury, there were lingering concerns about Trapilo’s ability to anchor in pass protection. Offensive line coach Dan Roushar noted that while Trapilo is a smart player, he needs to improve his lower-body strength to handle NFL-caliber pass rushers consistently. With his offseason now focused on rehabilitation rather than development, those concerns are unlikely to be addressed anytime soon.
Joe Thuney Steps In
In a surprising move during the Divisional Round against the Los Angeles Rams, the Bears shifted veteran guard Joe Thuney to left tackle. Thuney, a four-time Pro Bowler, has played left tackle sporadically throughout his career, including in last year’s Super Bowl with the Kansas City Chiefs. While his versatility is a valuable asset, Thuney is not a long-term solution at the position. His performance against the Rams was serviceable, but it highlighted the team’s lack of depth and stability at left tackle.
With Thuney moving to tackle, the Chicago Bears started Jordan McFadden at left guard, further shuffling an offensive line that has struggled to find consistency all season. Head coach Ben Johnson’s decision to rely on Thuney underscores the team’s desperation to protect quarterback Caleb Williams, especially against elite pass rushers like the Rams’ Jared Verse.
Free Agency and Draft Options
The Bears now face a critical decision: how to address the left tackle position moving forward. Both Braxton Jones and Theo Benedet, who have also started at left tackle this season, are set to become free agents. Neither player has shown the consistency needed to lock down the position, leaving the Bears with limited internal options.
General Manager Ryan Poles may need to explore external solutions, either through free agency or the NFL Draft. The free-agent market for left tackles is often thin, and top-tier players command hefty contracts. Alternatively, the Bears could use a high draft pick to secure a young, talented tackle, though that approach comes with its own risks and development timeline.
The Stakes Are High
The left tackle position is one of the most important in football, tasked with protecting the quarterback’s blind side. For a team like the Bears, who are building around Caleb Williams as their franchise quarterback, ensuring his protection is paramount. The offensive line’s struggles this season have been a recurring issue, and failing to address the left tackle position could hinder the team’s progress in 2026.
As the offseason unfolds, the Bears will need to weigh their options carefully. Whether it’s investing in a proven veteran, taking a chance on a rookie, or hoping for Trapilo’s recovery, the decision will have far-reaching implications for the team’s success.
