The Chicago Bears have the 10th overall pick in the upcoming NFL Draft. Depending on what direction they go with that pick, they could end up trading one of their starters.
The Bears could use the 10th pick on an offensive lineman. However, that could open the door for them to trade left tackle Braxton Jones, according to FanSided's Jordan Campbell.
"Teams will want to know he is healthy and has recovered from the ankle injury that prematurely ended his 2024 season," wrote Campbell. "But depending on who the Bears take at No. 10, Jones could become expendable. If Will Campbell is the Bears' selection in the first round, Jones will have lost his starting spot as the team's left tackle. Keeping him for depth notwithstanding, the Bears could move Jones near the start of the season if they have already drafted his replacement."
Jones has started 40 games for the Bears since 2022. He will be a free agent after the season, so if the Bears have an opportunity to turn him into an extra draft pick, they may not be able to refuse, especially if they draft an offensive tackle early in the draft.
Jones played in just 12 games last season, so his trade value could be diminished. However, the Bears need changes on the offensive line, and Jones could end up on the bench regardless of who the Bears draft at No.10.
Last season, Caleb Williams was the most sacked quarterback in the NFL. If a team is willing to trade a late-round pick to have Jones as a depth piece, the Bears should accept.
