The Chicago Bears have a battle brewing at left tackle between three-year starter Braxton Jones, second-year pro Kiran Amegadjie and rookie Ozzy Trapilo, and it’ll be a focal point during the summer.
With Jones sidelined during the offseason program, as he recovers from a fractured fibula, Amegadjie and Trapilo have rotated with the starting offensive line during OTAs and minicamp. With Jones expected to be limited to start training camp next month, the two young offensive linemen will have an upper hand in the competition.
Despite the battle for the starting job, Trapilo sang the praises of Jones and Amegadjie, who have been helpful to the young rookie as he makes the transition to the pro game.
“They’re both fantastic guys,” Trapilo said. “The whole O-line is really incredible. Coming in, you don’t know how it’s going to be. [But] everyone is such a good guy. [If] you have a question, they’ll go out of their way to help you. That’s for the entire room, [including] the tackle position. I’ve been really happy about that.”
The Bears have dedicated resources to overhauling the offensive line this offseason after quarterback Caleb Williams was sacked a league-high 68 times in 2024. Chicago traded for guards Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson while signing center Drew Dalman in free agency. Right tackle Darnell Wright appears to be the only guaranteed returning starter this season.
While Jones has been serviceable at left tackle since he was drafted in the fifth round in 2022, he’s entering a contract year with plenty to prove. The Bears are always looking to get better, so the competition for that left tackle spot appears to be wide open, and Trapilo has a good chance at winning it.
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