The Chicago Bears haven’t been overly explicit about their plans for the left tackle position going into 2025. That isn’t a big surprise. Braxton Jones is dealing with an ankle injury that ended his 2024 season. When given playing time, Kiran Amegadjie looked like a rookie and has much to improve. There wasn’t any definitive go-to answer when asked about it. That was made even murkier when they drafted big Boston College tackle Ozzy Trapilo in the 2nd round. Some have even indicated Darnell Wright could be moved to the left side.
While all things are possible come training camp, it appears the plan has always been the simplest. Jeff Hughes of Da Bears Blog (and SM) went on the Miller and Condon show for KXnO to discuss the Bears’ draft. There, he revealed an important detail he’s been hearing out of Halas Hall. It appears Jones has a lot of fans on the new coaching staff. They would prefer to have a season working with him, believing he still has untapped potential. If things work out as they hope, he may still have a future in Chicago.
The intrigue with Braxton Jones shouldn’t be a surprise.
Offensive line coach Dan Roushar worked with left tackle Terron Armstead in New Orleans. The former All-Pro shares a highly similar skillset with Braxton Jones, from their athleticism and quickness to their questionable anchor against power. When used correctly, Armstead was a beast. Perhaps Roushar and head coach Ben Johnson feel the same can be true for Jones. Over the past two years, there have been stretches where he has played some really good football. There is no sense in throwing that away without at least seeing if a new, more cohesive offense might unlock his full potential. Jones can seek options elsewhere in free agency if it doesn’t work out this year, leaving Amegadjie and Trapilo to compete for the job.
