Chicago Bears offensive lineman named among NFL players who need a fresh start

"Jones is now entering the final year of his rookie deal and coming off a fractured fibula that he suffered in December," Bleacher Report's Brent Sobleski wrote. "The Bears can complete their offensive line overhaul by flipping Jones and getting something in return for him."

Indeed, the Chicago Bears are facing a difficult decision with Jones at the end of the season. It's unlikely GM Ryan Poles will be willing to commit top-of-the-market left-tackle money to him, especially now that he's been banged up over the last couple of seasons and with the draft capital invested into his backups over the last two years.

The determining factor in Jones's eventual fate will be Trapilo, the former Boston College right tackle turned blindside protector. His upside is immense (no pun intended), and if he proves in training camp that his long-term outlook is brighter than anything Jones has flashed so far through three seasons in the league, the Bears won't hesitate to turn the starting job over to their second-rounder.

I highly doubt the Bears would entertain a trade for Jones, especially because of how valuable offensive line depth is. Sure, it's unfortunate that Jones could lose his starting job because of injury, but that's life in the NFL. Plus, Jones's development as a left tackle appears to have hit its ceiling. He's a good player; no doubt about it. But if Trapilo offers more upside in the short and long term, coach Ben Johnson will prioritize team over player -- which could mean Jones' time with the Bears is in its final countdown.