The Chicago Bears will once again have a competition for the starting left tackle job, and veteran Braxton Jones is once again the favorite to win heading into the summer. But circumstances have changed from just one year ago.
Last year, Jones was 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 Ozzy Trapilo, Theo Benedet and Kiran Amegadjie for the starting job. But Jones struggled early in the season, suffering a knee injury in the process, and he missed the remainder of the season.
While Jones appeared to be on his way out, Trapilo’s ruptured patellar tendon threw a wrench into things and forced Chicago to pivot to a new plan that included bringing back Jones on a one-year deal. Head coach Ben Johnson explained why he’s more encouraged this year about Jones’ ability to win and hold down the job.
“We hope to see a healthier person,” Johnson said. “Last year at this time he was still getting back into the groove and certainly through training camp, it was a gradual process. We all know in this room that that battle went on for a long time and it took a while before we felt comfortable settling on Ozzy (Trapilo) halfway through the season. But different circumstances this year, I think he’s come back and his comfort level has risen just in terms of knowing what to do and how we want to get it done. I think this is the best his body has felt in a while as well. So, we’re really encouraged with where he is at right now.”
The only thing standing in Jones’ way of the starting job are Benedet and former first-round pick Jedrick Wills Jr., who was signed in free agency. While injuries limited Jones’ ability last year, his teammates have already noticed a difference in him even at this point in the offseason.
“When I got here last year, I think he was coming off some stuff,” guard Jonah Jackson said. “But this year, he looks like a house. He’s moving well. Just in individual (work). We haven’t really been able to go one on one yet, but his movement and confidence in what he’s doing has been exponentially different from last year.”
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This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Bears HC Ben Johnson is encouraged about LT Braxton Jones
