The end of the 2024 season was a tough one for Chicago Bears left tackle Braxton Jones, who suffered a brutal ankle injury that knocked him out for the rest of the year and could jeopardize the start of his 2025 campaign.
One of the most significant parts of the offseason for the Bears was rebuilding the offensive line. They added three new starters on the interior and selected Boston College offensive tackle Ozzy Trapilo in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft.
After solid OTAs and minicamp workouts for Trapilo, there is some doubt creeping in that Jones can keep his starting job in 2025, and it might go to the rookie. Bears fans were sent a reminder of how dominant Jones can be.
One play shows Jones should retain his job as starting left tackle
The Bears shared a play on social media as it was the first matchup with the Green Bay Packers last year. It was of D'Andre Swift breaking out a large run for a 39-yard touchdown to give Chicago the lead. What stood out on the play was Jones pulling to the left side and sandwiching defensive back Evan Williams.
More of this in 70 days 😤 pic.twitter.com/WO5Tc9vy96
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) June 30, 2025
Jones made 12 starts at left tackle for the Bears last year and has been one of the primary starters since he was selected in the fifth round of the 2022 NFL Draft by Chicago. According to Pro Football Focus, Jones was ranked 21st in overall grade among 140 offensive tackles in 2024, with a grade of 77.4. His pass-blocking grade was an 80.8, ranking 17th among 2024 offensive tackles.
He struggled with penalties, with seven, which was ranked 100th among offensive tackles. Jones also surrendered five sacks last year.
There were a lot more issues with the Bears than just the struggles of an offensive line that allowed a league-high 68 sacks. Quarterback Caleb Williams had a tendency to hold on to the football for too long, which has become something he and new head coach Ben Johnson have been working on.
It's a big season for Jones, who needs to get back on the field with it being a contract season for him. He has all the capabilities to line up with any lineman in the NFL in pass protection and run blocking. There will be less pressure off of him with reinforcement brought in on the line this offseason.
Read more: Dennis Allen to play crucial role in Bears' dream defensive season in 2025
Trapilo could eventually be the guy either at left or right tackle, but Jones deserves a shot at playing to keep his job in 2025 once he recovers from his injury.