Braxton Jones discusses the competition for the Chicago Bears' left tackle position, emphasizing the opportunity to compete for the starting job. Coach Dan Roushar highlighted the need for all candidates to meet franchise standards.
Key points
Braxton Jones is competing for the Bears' left tackle position.
Coach Dan Roushar highlighted the need for high standards at left tackle.
Ozzy Trapilo is out for most of the 2026 season due to injury.
Theo Benedet and Jedrick Wills Jr. are also in the competition.
Chicago BearsBraxton JonesTheo BenedetOzzy Trapilo
Braxton Jones sounds off on Bears' left tackle competition
Chicago Bears offensive line coach Dan Roushar kept it real when discussing the team's left tackle position following the 2025 season.
Roushar was critical in the fact that the Bears didn't have their long-term projected starter, calling on all three players: Braxton Jones, Theo Benedet and rookie Ozzy Trapilo to play to the standard that is required for a franchise left tackle. Chicago will be without Trapilo for most of the 2026 season as he recovers from a torn patellar tendon, and they brought back both Jones and Benedet, also adding Jedrick Wills Jr., to compete for the left tackle spot.
Recently, Jones appeared on "The Set Show" with Terron Armstead and spoke about the opportunity ahead of him to compete for the Bears' starting left tackle job, as well as his response to Roushar's comments.
Unknown date & location, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears running back Walter Payton (34) carries the ball during the 1987 season. Mandatory Credit: Manny Rubio-USA TODAY Sports
Q&A
What did Braxton Jones say about the Bears' left tackle competition?
Braxton Jones expressed his eagerness to compete for the starting left tackle position and responded to coach Dan Roushar's comments on the team's needs.
Who are the candidates for the Chicago Bears' left tackle position?
The candidates for the Bears' left tackle position include Braxton Jones, Theo Benedet, and rookie Ozzy Trapilo, with Jedrick Wills Jr. also joining the competition.
Why is Ozzy Trapilo unavailable for the 2026 season?
Ozzy Trapilo is recovering from a torn patellar tendon, which will keep him out for most of the 2026 season.
What did coach Dan Roushar say about the Bears' left tackle situation?
Coach Dan Roushar criticized the lack of a long-term projected starter and emphasized the need for all players to meet the standards of a franchise left tackle.
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Oct 29, 1972; St. Louis, MO, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears linebacker Dick Butkus (51) in action against the Chicago Bears at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Herb Weitman-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 24, 1985; Chicago, IL, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears lineman Dan Hampton defensive end Dan Hampton (99) in action against the Atlanta Falcons at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Manny Rubio-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 28, 1969; St. Louis, MO, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears running back Gayle Sayers (40) in action against the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Bears 20-17. Mandatory Credit: Herb Weitman-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 26, 2010; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher (54) takes the field against the New York Jets at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
Caleb Williams of the Chicago Bears celebrates after defeating the Carolina Panthers at Soldier Field in October.
Unknown date; Los Angeles, CA, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears tight end Mike Ditka (89) on the bench agains the Los Angeles Rams at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Darryl Norenberg-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 26, 1986; New Orleans, LA, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears quarterback Jim McMahon (9) throws the ball against the New England Patriots during Super Bowl XX at the Superdome. The Bears defeated the Patriots 46-10. Mandatory Credit: Manny Rubio-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 23, 2019; Landover, MD, USA; Chicago Bears guard Kyle Long (75) stands on the field during the first half against the Washington Redskins at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
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26 Jan 1986: Quarterback Steve Fuller #4 of the New England Patriots prepares to pass as teammate offensive lineman Jim Covert #74 covers during Super Bowl XX game with the Chicago Bears at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Bear
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Jan 7, 2024; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Chicago Bears offensive tackle Darnell Wright (58) during the game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 26, 2010; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears defensive tackle Tommie Harris (91) takes the field against the New York Jets at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
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Jan 16, 2011; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears tight end Greg Olsen (82) after the 2011 NFC divisional playoff game against the Seattle Seahawks at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
Oct. 27, 1985; Chicago, IL, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears linebacker Wilber Marshall (58) in action against the Minnesota Vikings at Soldier Field. The Bears beat the Vikings 27-9. Mandatory Credit: Malcolm Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 9, 1986; Tampa, FL, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears receiver Willie Gault (83) in action against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Tampa Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Manny Rubio-USA TODAY Sports
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Jan 26, 1986; New Orleans, LA, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears linebacker Otis Wilson (55) warms up prior to Super Bowl XX against the New England Patriots at the Superdome. The Bears would defeat the Patriots 46-10. Mandatory Credit: Manny Rubio-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 26, 1993; Chicago, IL, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears quarterback Jim Harbaugh (4) in action against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Peter Brouillet-USA TODAY NETWORK
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Unknown date & location, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears running back Walter Payton (34) carries the ball during the 1987 season. Mandatory Credit: Manny Rubio-USA TODAY Sports
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Unknown date & location, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears running back Walter Payton (34) carries the ball during the 1987 season. Mandatory Credit: Manny Rubio-USA TODAY Sports
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A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years
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"Yes sir," Jones said, when asked if he felt he could answer the challenge by Roushar to man the left tackle spot. "Actually, knowing what Ben (Johnson) and Dan are looking for, too, that's why I'm very blessed for last year and how it went, to really sit back and watch and learn, really see what he's looking for and the minor details. I'm blessed to be back in the position I'm in."
Jones, who served as the starting left tackle from 2022-24, has the seniority advantage going up against his teammates in the battle for left tackle, and it's clear that he's received the message from his position coach. Chicago's offensive line play was a huge reason for their success in 2025, and getting the left tackle spot solidified can only help further that development of quarterback Caleb Williams and help guide the Bears back to the playoffs.
