Grading the Chicago Bears’ 1-Year, $10M Deal to Re-Sign Braxton Jones

The Chicago Bears made a notable offensive line decision on the first day of NFL free agency by bringing back left tackle Braxton Jones on a one-year contract worth up to $10 million.

The move keeps a familiar piece protecting franchise quarterback Caleb Williams while giving Chicago flexibility heading into the 2026 season.

But was re-signing Jones the right call?

Let’s break down the logic behind the move.

Why the Bears Chose Continuity at Left Tackle

Jones has quietly been one of the most consistent members of Chicago’s offensive line since entering the league.

A fifth-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, Jones immediately stepped into the starting lineup as a rookie and has held the left tackle job whenever healthy. He has started 44 games in his career, providing stability at one of the most important positions on the roster.

Bringing back Jones ensures the Bears retain a player who already understands the offensive system and the chemistry required along the line, even if he isn't the team's first choice at left tackle.

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Jones struggled in his first year back from a fractured fibula and was unseated by both Theo Benedet and rookie Ozzy Trapilo in the starting lineup. But with Trapilo facing a long road back from his torn patellar injury, and Benedet failing to impress in his brief audition, Jones could resume his role as the opening day starter in 2026.

Braxton Jones Has Shown Starting-Caliber Ability with Bears

Jones’ performance over the past two seasons helps explain why Chicago was comfortable keeping him.

His 2024 season included a strong overall PFF grade (77.4), highlighted by an 80.8 pass blocking grade. That performance helped establish him as a legitimate starting left tackle rather than just a developmental player.

Even in a shorter 2025 campaign due to injuries, Jones still showed flashes of high-level play. When healthy, Jones has proven capable of holding his own against NFL pass rushers.

The Contract Is Essentially a “Prove-It” Deal for Braxton Jones and the Bears

The structure of Jones's contract is what makes this move particularly smart.

A one-year deal worth up to $10 million allows the Bears to maintain stability at left tackle without committing long-term money. It gives Jones an opportunity to prove he deserves a bigger contract while allowing the team to reassess the position after the season.

If Jones plays well, Chicago could extend him. They could also choose to select a tackle in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft. There's no long-term commitment to Jones.

That type of flexibility is valuable for a roster still evolving around its young quarterback.

The Risk Factor

There is some risk in relying on Braxton Jones in 2026.

While he has been a dependable starter, he has not yet developed into a clear top-tier left tackle. Injuries have also interrupted multiple seasons, including time on injured reserve in 2023 and again late in 2024.

That means Chicago is still taking a calculated gamble that Jones can remain healthy and keep playing steadily.

However, the short-term nature of the deal minimizes the downside.

Final Grade: B

Re-signing Jones is a practical move for a Chicago Bears team that, until Monday, didn't have an answer at left tackle.

The Bears keep a capable starter, maintain some level of continuity and familiarity for Caleb Williams, and avoid locking themselves into a long-term contract. At the same time, Jones gets an opportunity to prove he deserves to be Chicago’s left tackle beyond 2026.

For a team balancing roster stability with long-term flexibility, this deal makes a lot of sense.