Chicago Bears’ offseason moves skyrockets offensive line up preseason rankings

Chicago Bears additions 

The Bears started their offensive line rebuild by acquiring Jonah Jackson in a trade from the Los Angeles Rams. His $51 million contract didn’t work out, as he lasted just four games with the team, dealing with injuries and being forced to play out of position. Now back at right guard, Jackson is playing under head coach Ben Johnson again. The guard was named to his lone Pro Bowl in 2021 when they were both with the Detroit Lions.

Joining him at left guard is Joe Thuney, who the Bears acquired in a trade from the Kansas City Chiefs. He is coming to the Windy City having already won four Super Bowls. Furthermore, Thuney is coming off of three-straight Pro Bowl nominations and back-to-back All-Pro nods. His 79.9 grade from Pro Football Focus ranked 12/136 guards.

When the legal tampering window opened, it didn’t take long for the Bears to sign center Drew Dalman to a three-year, $42 million contract. An ankle injury forced him to play just nine games in 2024. However, Dalman still dazzled when on the field, earning a 78.8 grade from PFF that ranked fourth/64 centers. While Dalman will be crucial for Williams’ development, he’ll also be key in improving the run game.

All three players will need to learn how to play together. But at least on paper, the interior of Chicago’s offensive line looks much, much stronger in 2025.

Questions at left tackle 

Alongside the guards and center, Darnell Wright appears to have locked up the right tackle position. He has been one of the Bears’ strongest players overall playing the position over the last two seasons. For all the changes Johnson will make, for now, he doesn’t seem poised to move Wright to the left side.

That leaves a competition between Braxton Jones, Ozzy Trapilo and Kiran Amegadjie. Jones is the incumbent and looked strong when healthy in 2024, ranking 21/140 tackles with his 77.4 grade. But the keyword is ‘when’ as Jones was limited to just 12 games in 2024 due to injury. That came after playing in just 11 during the 2023 season. Jones will need to prove he can stay healthy over an entire season to retain his starting role.

Trapilo and Amegadjie have been splitting reps with Jones still recovering from his season-ending ankle injury. Trapilo is a second-round pick who made a name for himself on the right side. He must prove he can also dominate on the left. Amegadjie dealt with injury problems of his own as a rookie, appearing in six games. He’ll be looking to make a strong impression on a coaching staff that didn’t draft him.

Throughout training camp, the left tackle battle will arguably be the most important for Chicago’s success. Finding the perfect option could solidify why the Bears have a top five offensive line.