Overview
- At the NFL Combine, Poles outlined options to fill left tackle via free agency, the draft or re-signing a familiar face, noting he anticipates a potential starter could be available at pick No. 25.
- Thuney will remain at left guard after a postseason fill-in at tackle, and Darnell Wright will stay at right tackle.
- The only in-house tackle options today are Theo Benedet, who made six starts in 2025, and Kiran Amegadjie, while former starter Braxton Jones is set to reach free agency.
- Local analysts favor a short-term solution for 2026, such as re-signing Jones or adding a mid-tier free agent like Rasheed Walker, with a longer-term answer deferred to when Trapilo returns.
- Some coverage notes a long-shot scenario in which Trent Williams could be pursued if he becomes available, though cost and the Bears’ tight cap situation make such a move unlikely.