This offseason, the Chicago Bears had to work on their offensive line once again after perfecting it in 2025, thanks to some unexpected issues.
Starting left tackle Ozzy Trapilo is rehabbing an injury he suffered in the playoffs, while starting Pro Bowl center Drew Dalman retired from the NFL. At least the Bears didn't have to worry about the guard positions with All-Pro Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson holding it down for the second straight season. Sports Illustrated NFL writer Matt Verderame is a big fan of the pair, ranking them as the second-best guard duo in the league.
"Despite being 33 years old, Thuney remains at the top of his game. He’s reached the Pro Bowl each of the past four seasons and has only missed two games throughout his 10-year career. On four occasions, he’s played 100% of the offensive snaps.
Then there’s Jackson, who, like Thuney, was acquired by Chicago last offseason. Jackson, 29, played all 17 games for the Bears, committing only one holding penalty while garnering a 72.3 overall grade from PFF, ranking him 26th among guards (Thuney ranked eighth and first in pass blocking)."
Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson named as one of the best guard duos in the NFL
Thuney is a future Hall of Famer, and last season was living proof. In 686 pass-blocking snaps, he allowed 15 pressures and one quarterback hit, earning him the first-ever Protector of the Year Award, as well as Pro Bowl and All-Pro selections. Pro Football Focus gave him an overall grade of 79.4, ranking him fifth among 81 guards in the NFL last year.
While Jackson didn't quite play at Thuney's level, it was still a solid season for him. In 670 pass-blocking snaps, he allowed 31 pressures, three sacks, and one quarterback hit, with PFF giving him an overall grade of 71.4, ranking 19th.
Chicago might be going through a bit of a transition at center and left tackle in 2026, but the stability set by Thuney and Jackson at guard is so critical to the Bears' success. This was an offensive line that showed great year-over-year improvement, allowing just 24 sacks last season compared to 68 in 2024, and led the NFL's third-best rushing attack in 2025 after finishing last in 2024.
The good news is that the Bears have veterans filling in at left tackle and center, with Braxton Jones protecting Caleb Williams' blindside and Garrett Bradbury starting in the middle for at least 2026. There will be some continuity with Jones having been on the line last year, and it's made easier with Thuney, Jackson, and starting right tackle Darnell Wright there as well.
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Bears fans will have their concerns entering the 2026 season with the offensive line and hope they won't take another step back. Thuney and Jackson should be enough to give fans confidence that this group won't miss a beat in an all-important year for the franchise.
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