In each of the last two summers, the Chicago Bears entered training camp with little mystery about who would start at left tackle. Braxton Jones, a 2022 fifth-round pick out of Southern Utah, had firmly held down the position since his rookie year.
But things are different this time. With a new coaching staff, a franchise quarterback in Caleb Williams to protect, and two young draft picks vying for the same role, Jones’ job is far from secure.
Braxton Jones Faces Real Challenge for Bears’ Left Tackle Job
NFL.com’s Eric Edholm recently highlighted veteran players who could lose their starting jobs in 2025, and Jones made the list.
“Jones came off the PUP list to start camp but will need a ramp-up period before live action,” Edholm wrote. “This is a crucial camp battle many will be watching. Chicago could end up with four new starters on the offensive line in a critical season for Caleb Williams’ development.”
While this might seem like a surprise to some, the writing has been on the wall for months. Over the past two years, Jones has missed a combined 11 games. His availability, or lack thereof, has opened the door for competition, especially as he enters the final year of his rookie deal (4 year, $3.96M) and returns from offseason ankle surgery.
Head coach Ben Johnson has made it clear: this will be an open competition. He did mention that Jones’ experience gives him an early edge, but he also confirmed that rookie Ozzy Trapilo and 2024 third-round pick Kiran Amegadjie will get their fair share of reps at left tackle throughout camp.
During training camp practice on July 23rd, Jones lined up with the first-team offense during non-contract drills, but his rust was evident, as he had a false start on the first snap. Once full-team drills began, it was Trapilo who got the first crack with the starters, a decision that likely reflects Jones still being in his ramp-up period.
The competition is already heating up, and Johnson isn’t wasting time finding out who’s the best fit to protect Williams’ blind side in a season filled with high expectations.
Ozzy Trapilo and Kiran Amegadjie Ready to Seize the Moment
The spotlight isn’t only on Jones, it’s also on the two youngsters who could take his job.
Trapilo, who played at right tackle at Boston College the past two years, is no stranger to the left side. In 2022, he played left tackle and showed the type of footwork and hand technique that made him a Day 2 pick in this year’s draft. Trapilo mentioned that after practice the past two years, he would work out on the left side to be versatile.
“Throughout college I knew that I wanted to play in the NFL, so you have to be versatile,” Trapilo said. “That’s the quickest way to get on the field. After practice, even though I was the right tackle, the last two years in college, working left, making sure that it’s still smooth.”
He’s already getting those opportunities with the first-team offense at left tackle, and showing he won’t wait for his moment to become a starter.
Then there’s Amegadjie, who had a rough stint in limited time as the starting left tackle last season, but was thrown into the fire way too early. Though he still has a lot to work on, Amegadjie brings a physical upside and fundamentals that the Bears are clearly intrigued by. His combination of size, length, and IQ gives him a developmental edge, and he’s firmly in the mix.
While Braxton Jones has the résumé with 40 starts in three years, it’s clear this coaching staff isn’t handing him anything.
