Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson thought he had the offensive line pretty much nailed down for the foreseeable future by Week 18.
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However, the Bears quickly had an emergency brew for the unit in the span of several weeks from the playoffs to free agency.
Left tackle Ozzy Trapilo suffered a ruptured patellar tendon against the Green Bay Packers in the wild-card round that could jeopardize his status for the upcoming season. Center Drew Dalman retired before free agency.
Per Jason Lieser of the Chicago Sun-Times, Johnson said at the league’s annual meeting in Phoenix on Monday that Trapilo’s injury was considered “serious” and that the Bears could be looking for a long-term solution at left tackle this offseason.
“Bears coach Ben Johnson says essentially all options are on the table at left tackle after a ‘pretty serious injury’ to Ozzy Trapilo,” Lieser posted on X. “Could go short-term solution or long term. Johnson says it’s tough to predict how that position looks this season or over the next 5 years.”
Bears coach Ben Johnson says essentially all options are on the table at left tackle after a “pretty serious injury” to Ozzy Trapilo. Could go short-term solution or long term. Johnson says it’s tough to predict how that position looks this season or over the next 5 years.
— Jason Lieser (@JasonLieser) March 30, 2026
The Chicago Bears have questions at LT
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The Bears selected Trapilo in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft. He played right tackle at Boston College, but the team moved him to left tackle because Darnell Wright is the solidified starter at right tackle.
Trapilo struggled initially playing at left tackle but got better as the season and postseason went on.
With Trapilo’s future in doubt, the Bears re-signed 2022 draft pick Braxton Jones in free agency to a one-year deal worth $5 million. That will give Chicago some flexibility with Theo Benedet returning as well this offseason.
However, the Bears could look to add a left tackle early in the draft. While not ideal with the defensive line needing pass-rushing help, Chicago needs to make sure quarterback Caleb Williams is protected for his third season in the league, especially with questions at center looming.
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