Braxton Jones’ Future in Chicago Looks Uncertain Amid Emergence of Trapilo
The Chicago Bears have done a lot right this season - and that starts at the top with general manager Ryan Poles. His offseason blueprint focused on protecting rookie quarterback Caleb Williams and establishing a physical run game, and the rebuilt offensive line has delivered. But not every piece from last year’s roster has kept pace with the team’s upward trajectory, and left tackle Braxton Jones now finds himself on the outside looking in.
Jones, once a key part of the Bears’ offensive front, is staring down an uncertain future in Chicago. He’s set to hit free agency after this season, and with his starting role now in the hands of rookie Ozzy Trapilo, the road back to the starting lineup - or even the roster - might require a pay cut and a position change.
From Starter to Question Mark
Coming into the season, Jones was still viewed as the incumbent at left tackle. The Bears drafted Trapilo to compete, but Jones initially held off the rookie during training camp.
That changed quickly. After a rough stretch to open the year, Jones lost his starting job, and Trapilo has since taken over as the blindside protector for Williams - and he’s thriving.
Jones’ production has taken a noticeable dip compared to last season. In just 136 pass-blocking snaps this year, he’s allowed 15 pressures - an 11% pressure rate, which is a significant jump from the 5.5% rate he posted last season (26 pressures on 471 snaps). He’s also surrendered two sacks and two quarterback hits during that limited time, and now he’s on Injured Reserve with a knee issue.
The Bears haven’t exactly missed him.
Trapilo and Benedet Holding Down the Fort
Trapilo has looked the part of a long-term answer at left tackle. In his starts, he’s allowed only one pressure and six hurries - and more importantly, zero sacks.
That kind of efficiency is exactly what you want for a rookie protecting your franchise quarterback’s blindside. Head coach Ben Johnson hasn’t been shy about praising Trapilo’s performance, and it’s clear he’s earned the staff’s trust.
Even Theo Benedet, who was also in the mix earlier in the season, has outperformed Jones statistically. Benedet has given up two sacks but no quarterback hits, and he’s been more consistent overall in pass protection.
That leaves Jones in a tough spot. He’s no longer the starter, he’s injured, and the guys who replaced him are playing well. Unless the Bears run into injury trouble down the stretch, there may be no reason to activate him once he’s eligible to return.
What’s Next for Jones?
Jones is making $3.6 million this season - not a massive number, but one that could be tough to justify for a backup lineman who’s no longer a clear starter. If he wants to stick around in Chicago, he may need to take a team-friendly deal and potentially switch sides to back up Darnell Wright at right tackle.
That’s a big “if.” Jones would have to be open to a new role and a reduced salary, and the Bears would have to see enough value in keeping him around as a swing tackle or insurance policy. Right now, neither of those things is a given.
Bears Rolling Without Him
With the Bears sitting atop the NFC standings and looking like legitimate contenders, it’s hard to argue that Jones’ absence has hurt them. This offensive line has gelled without him, and Caleb Williams looks increasingly comfortable in the pocket - a testament to the protection he’s getting from the new-look front.
If the Bears continue to thrive without Jones on the field, it becomes even less likely they’ll bring him back at his current price. The writing may already be on the wall - and unless Jones is willing to take a backseat and a pay cut, his days in Chicago could be numbered.
For now, the Bears are focused on chasing a division title and a deep playoff run. And barring a change in circumstances, Braxton Jones may have to watch it all unfold from the sideline.