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EspañolThe 2026 offseason is in full swing, and it's another important one for the Chicago Bears, who are looking to get back to the postseason in head coach Ben Johnson's second season.
General manager Ryan Poles has some work to do to shore up key needs on the roster. After overhauling the offensive line last offseason, the focus shifts to the defensive line, which is the biggest concern, as well as safety and left tackle. But there's some work to be done with the salary cap before the start of the new league year as Chicago is currently a projected $4.11 million over the cap. After three straight years of top-10 picks, the Bears will have to wait to pick in the latter part of the first round (No. 25) in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Here at Bears Wire, we’re going position by position to break down where Chicago stands entering the 2026 offseason. Next up is the offensive line, which has only one question mark this offseason at left tackle with Ozzy Trapilo expected to miss most of the 2026 season.
Who's on the roster?
- Joe Thuney
- Darnell Wright
- Drew Dalman
- Jonah Jackson
- Ozzy Trapilo
- Theo Benedet
- Luke Newman
- Kiran Amegadjie
The Bears had four new starters along the offensive line in 2025, and they revamped interior paved the way to success for quarterback Caleb Williams, running backs D'Andre Swift and Kyle Monangai and the entire offense. Chicago acquired All-Pro left guard Joe Thuney and right guard Jonah Jackson via trades while signing center Drew Dalman in free agency. Second-round rookie Ozzy Trapilo stepped into the left tackle role midway through the season, where he served as a bookend opposite right tackle Darnell Wright, who continues to ascend. The Bears allowed a league-low 25 sacks during the season (including the playoffs) and had the third-best rushing attack in the league averaging nearly 150 yards on the ground per game. Thuney and Dalman earned Pro Bowl nods while Thuney also was named First-Team All-Pro and won the NFL's inaugural Protector of the Year award. While Trapilo will miss most of the 2026 season, after rupturing his patellar tendon in the postseason, Chicago returns four starting offensive linemen.
While the Bears had one of the best starting offensive lines in the league, they also had some solid depth, including a few faces set to return in 2026. Sixth-round interior lineman Luke Newman didn't see the field much (he did step in at right guard for Jackson for a short time early in the season), but he'll have another year to develop with offensive line coach Dan Roushar. Kiran Amegadjie spent most of the season on injured reserve, but he'll be in the battle for that left tackle spot alongside Theo Benedet, who was just re-signed as an exclusive rights free agent.
Who's slated to hit free agency?
- Braxton Jones
- Ryan Bates
- Jordan McFadden
Braxton Jones started the 2025 season as the starting left tackle before his declining play and injury resulted in him being benched in favor of Theo Benedet, who was eventually usurped by rookie Ozzy Trapilo. Jones, a former fifth-round pick, has been a great value pick for Chicago serving as a three-year starter before losing favor with the team in 2025. While it was easy to expect the Bears to let Jones walk, Trapilo's injury has certainly changed things and they could opt to bring back Jones on a short-term deal while Trapilo recovers. Ryan Bates was acquired from the Buffalo Bills in exchange for a fourth-round pick, and he's been one of Ryan Poles' biggest mistakes. Bates failed to carve out a starting role for himself in two years, and he sat on the bench as a reserve for 2025. Jordan McFadden has the best chance to be re-signed of this free-agent group given what he brings as depth to the interior offensive line. When Joe Thuney kicked over to left tackle, after Trapilo's injury, McFadden slotted into left guard and didn't miss a beat. While getting a good starting five in place is important, those depth pieces are equally important.
Who might join the Bears?
The Bears have one glaring need on the offensive line, and that's left tackle. While they could certainly add depth at other positions along the line, left tackle will be a focal point. The 2026 NFL Draft could be an opportunity to address the position for the long-term, but there are some veteran options for Chicago if they believe Trapilo is the guy moving forward, and Ryan Poles indicated they expect Trapilo to return healthy. There's not a lot of top options at left tackle in free agency, where Green Bay Packers left tackle Rasheed Walker is considered the top option. One in-house option for the Bears is bringing back Braxton Jones. Another option that might become possible is All-Pro left tackle Trent Williams, whose current negotiations with the San Francisco 49ers could make both parties go their separate ways. If that were to happen, Williams should become the top target for Chicago (among other teams).
Position need: Moderate
The Bears overhauled the entire interior offensive line last offseason, alongside right tackle Darnell Wright, and the results were impactful allowing a league-low 25 sacks and paving the way for the third-best rushing attack. For a minute, it looked like the offensive line wouldn't be a concern after rookie Ozzy Trapilo stepped in and showed promise at left tackle. But Trapilo suffered a ruptured patellar tendon that will sideline him for most of the 2026 season. Now, Chicago has an important hole to address at left tackle, where they could turn internally (Theo Benedet or Kiran Amegadjie), re-sign Braxton Jones, turn to free agency for a veteran or even draft a tackle. Still, having four spots locked down on the offensive line is big for the Bears heading into 2026.
This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Bears 2026 offseason preview: Where Chicago stands at offensive line