One Bears imperative position still remains the biggest need during 2026 offseason

The Chicago Bears’ offensive line was one of the team’s most consistent units throughout the 2025 season. 

With Joe Thuney, Drew Dalman, and Jonah Jackson added to the interior to go along with right tackle Darnell Wright, the offensive line drastically helped Caleb Williams make major strides in Year 2. Williams went from being sacked a league-high 68 times in his rookie year to just 24 this past season. Major credit has to be given to the offensive line. 

One spot, though, lacked consistency: left tackle. 

Bears still need to address left tackle

Four different players played at the position in the regular season and the playoffs. Braxton Jones, Theo Benedet, Ozzy Trapilo, and Joe Thuney (in the Divisional Round against the Los Angeles Rams). 

According to Pro Football Focus, Benedet led the team with 524 snaps at left tackle in the regular season, and Trapilo, the Bears’ No. 56 overall pick in the second round, finished with 406 snaps on Williams’ blindside. 

The undrafted free agent from British Columbia took over as the starter in Week 6 against the Washington Commanders and remained at the position until Week 11 against the Minnesota Vikings. A quadriceps injury held him out of the matchup with the Pittsburgh Steelers the following week, which opened the door for Trapilo to start the final seven regular-season games and the Wild Card game against the Green Bay Packers. 

Trapilo injured his patellar tendon in the win over the Packers, which forced Thuney to play left tackle against the Rams. 

While there was fluctuation at left tackle, Wright played at an All-Pro level on the right side. Among right tackles during the 2025 regular season, Wright gave up a 2.98% pressure rate, which was tied for second behind the Rams’ Warren McClendon Jr. (2.94%). 

Benedet gave up a 7.90% pressure rate – ranking him 28th in the league. Trapilo finished with a 5.32% pressure rate, ranking ninth in the NFL. 

Trapilo was playing well, but his patellar tendon injury will likely keep him out for the majority of the 2026 season. So, the Bears will need to add a player either through free agency or the draft to solidify one of the most important pieces on the offensive line until Trapilo can return, which is not guaranteed to happen next season. 

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The Bears have some glaring defensive issues that must be addressed, but finding a solution at left tackle must be a high priority for general manager Ryan Poles going into the 2026 season.