Ben Johnson Sends Clear Message on Bears Offensive Line at NFL Owners Meetings
Ben Johnson addressed key questions about the Bears’ offensive line, offering insight into Chicago’s outlook at center and left tackle.
The Chicago Bears won't leave the NFL owners' meetings with a lot of mystery about their offensive line thanks to Ben Johnson.
In fact, Johnson made it clear where things stand right now.
And it starts with a mix of confidence, urgency, and a little bit of uncertainty.
The Bears Had to Pivot Quickly at Center
The biggest surprise came earlier this offseason when Drew Dalman decided to retire.
Johnson said the team learned of Dalman’s decision in mid-February, which forced an immediate adjustment. Chicago responded by trading for Garrett Bradbury, a move Johnson fully endorsed.
“He will fit us like a glove,” Johnson said.
Bradbury gives the Bears a plug-and-play option at a position that cannot afford instability, especially with Caleb Williams entering a critical Year 3. The timing of Dalman's retirement wasn’t ideal, but the response was decisive.
“I only go to talk to him briefly when he came in after the trade, and yet I could tell how bright he is," Johnson said. "I don’t think the chemistry in the room will miss a beat now.”
Left Tackle Is Still a Major Question for Bears
If center feels settled, left tackle does not. Johnson didn’t try to soften that reality.
“There’s a lot of uncertainty right now.”
That uncertainty centers on Ozzy Trapilo, who is recovering from a ruptured patellar tendon. Johnson acknowledged it’s unclear whether Trapilo will be available at all in 2026, and even broader than that, what the position looks like long term.
That’s a significant statement, given that the 2026 NFL Draft is quickly approaching. Johnson said he feels like the Bears are in a good enough situation at left tackle that they don't have to force a pick, but it certainly feels like their long-term answer at the position might not be on the roster right now.
Braxton Jones Is Back in the Picture
One player who could factor into that equation is Braxton Jones.
Johnson offered a revealing update there as well.
Jones is up to 310 pounds and, in Johnson’s words, looked “yolked” when he returned to the building to sign his contract. More importantly, Johnson pointed to Jones’ mindset, noting that he’s eager to get his career back on track.
That matters.
Jones has starting experience, and if he’s physically where the staff wants him, he becomes a real option to stabilize the position in the short term.
What It Means for the Bears Moving Forward
Put all of this together, and the picture is pretty clear.
- Center has been addressed
- Left tackle remains unsettled
- Depth and competition are still needed
This is exactly the kind of situation that gets solved in the NFL draft.
The Bears don’t have to force a pick, but they do need to come out of April with a clearer plan for the offensive line, particularly on the left side.
There's a good chance Ryan Poles will address the position in the first round.
The Bears' Bottom Line
Ben Johnson didn't sugarcoat the concern surrounding the Chicago Bears' offensive line.
Some aspects of the starting five are in a good place. Others are still very much in flux.
And while it's not a huge problem yet, it could become one if Poles doesn't cook in the 2026 NFL Draft.
For now, it’s a snapshot of where the Chicago Bears stand and a reminder that the next phase of roster building is coming fast.
