Chicago Bears make surprising deal with left tackle

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Zack Cariola | Last updated Mar 9, 2026 10:07 PM ET

The Chicago Bears continued to add to their roster by agreeing to terms to bring back left tackle Braxton Jones. According to NFL Insider Jordan Schultz, the deal is worth a reported $10 million — $5 million in salary and $5 million in incentives.

A former fifth-round pick (168th overall) by the Bears in the 2022 NFL Draft, Jones has started 44 games in four seasons. Jones played in the fewest number of games (six) in 2025 after a couple of stints on the injured reserve list.

The Braxton Jones deal with the #Bears is 1-year, $5M with another $5M in incentives, per sources. https://t.co/xYCoeBomvt

— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) March 9, 2026

The Chicago Bears continue to add to the offensive line

Sep 21, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears offensive tackle Braxton Jones (70) after the game against the Dallas Cowboys at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images

The Bears needed to add to their offensive line after center Drew Dalman suddenly retired at 27, leaving a massive void. Thankfully, the Bears acquired center Garrett Bradbury from the New England Patriots (in principle) for a 2027 fifth-round pick to replace Dalman.

The Bears have a decent offensive line to protect quarterback Caleb Williams, with left guard Joe Thuney, right guard Jonah Jackson, and right tackle Darnell Wright also returning. Protecting Williams is the top priority, as the third-year quarterback from the University of Southern California is emerging as a pillar of the team.

Dec 22, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears offensive tackle Braxton Jones (70) is carted off the field against the Detroit Lions during the second quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Bartel-Imagn Images

This article first appeared on ChiCitySports and was syndicated with permission.

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