Overview
- Johnson, speaking Monday at the NFL meetings, said there is “a lot of uncertainty” at left tackle this year and beyond after Ozzy Trapilo ruptured a patellar tendon and is expected to miss most or all of 2026.
- Chicago plans to stage a competition that includes Braxton Jones, Theo Benedet, Kiran Amegadjie and recent signee Jedrick Wills Jr., with no starter named going into the offseason program.
- The Bears re-signed Jones to a one-year deal on March 13, and Johnson said the veteran arrived looking rebuilt and intent on regaining his pre-injury form, though the job remains open.
- Team leaders are weighing short-term help in free agency and a long-term draft fix, and after the DJ Moore trade added a second-round pick they stressed they will stay true to their draft board rather than force a selection.
- Left tackle protects a quarterback’s blind side and sets the edge in the run game, so Chicago’s choice here could shape the offense for years as the club resets its lineup for 2026.