Braxton Jones Aims to Become 'Frontrunner' for Bears' left tackle position
The Chicago Bears have been open about the team's open spot at the left tackle position, and veteran tackle Braxton Jones is ready to seize his opportunity to claim the starting role.
The Bears have been loud and clear about the team’s left tackle position being open going into the 2026 NFL season. Head coach Ben Johnson has openly talked about where the team stands at left tackle. So has offensive line coach Dan Roushar.
Even free agent acquisition Jedrick Wills discussed the opportunity to earn himself a starting role. During the NFL’s annual league meeting, Johnson praised Braxton Jones for his physical appearance, saying he “beefed up … and looked yoked up” when the left tackle came in to re-sign his one-year contract with the Bears during free agency. Jones joined former five-time Pro Bowl left tackle Terron Armstead on his YouTube show “The Set,” and discussed a variety of topics.
The Bears’ offensive lineman recognizes he has a prime opportunity to earn himself a role on Johnson’s roster this season. He also told Armstead that he understands “what’s at stake,” but knew Chicago was the best fit because he knows the system. Part of the familiarity is knowing Roushar.
The Bears’ offensive line coach also joined Armstead’s show, and when talking about Jones, Ozzy Trapilo and Theo Benedet, he didn’t hold back about Chicago’s left tackle position . “I told all three of them this, I know what the left tackle position looks like in this league,” Roushar said on Armstead’s podcast. “You were the standard.