LAKE FOREST, Ill. (670 The Score) -- After re-evaluating the left tackle position this offseason and preseason, the Bears are returning to their incumbent starter.
Veteran tackle Braxton Jones will be the Bears’ starter protecting quarterback Caleb Williams’ blindside, head coach Ben Johnson said Tuesday. This decision was largely expected at the conclusion of training camp.
Jones, 26, is a three-year starter at left tackle who has worked 40 games for the Bears at that position. He returned from offseason ankle injury for the start of training camp in late July.
“He knows what he’s doing,” Johnson said of Jones. “Is it perfect ever play? No, it is not. But we did see the execution going up over the last few weeks. So, there is a trust level in him knowing what to do. We think that he is going to ascend (with) the more reps he gets.”
Given Jones’ injury, the Bears challenged him to win back his starting spot in a competition with rookie Ozzy Trapilo and second-year tackle Kiran Amegadjie. Throughout the course of training camp, second-year tackle Theo Benedet – an undrafted free agent signed in 2024 – emerged as a candidate in the competition.
But Jones earned his place as the starter by showcasing his health and consistency at the position. He beat out two players in Trapilo and Benedet who have never played in an NFL game, while Amegadjie had just one start under his belt.
“I just kind of go about my day-to-day things,” Jones said. “I try and stay consistent in where I am, try to do anything I can to focus on myself and the position. More importantly, I’m just doing everything I can to help my team win.”
With Jones set as the Bears’ starter at left tackle, the offensive line is set. Veterans Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson – a pair of key trade acquisitions in January – will work at the guard positions. Drew Dalman, who was signed to a three-year, $42-million deal in March, will work at center. And Darnell Wright will start his third season at right tackle.
The Bears kick off the season next Monday night when they host the Vikings at Soldier Field.
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.