Bears’ left tackle competition tightens as Theo Benedet emerges
The Bears’ battle for the left tackle spot has evolved into a wider competition, with a new contender presenting himself for consideration. Theo Benedet, an undrafted rookie who spent last season on Chicago’s practice squad, has been working with the starting unit this week in three practices, according to ESPN’s Courtney Cronin. Benedet, who hails from the University of British Columbia in Canada, has yet to play a regular-season snap but showed versatility by taking reps at both left and right tackle during the preseason opener.
“He’s right in the middle of it,” Bears coach Ben Johnson said. “I’ve been very, very excited about Theo and what he’s done both on the right and the left side. He was probably overlooked to start this competition, but the longer this thing’s gone on, there’s a strong argument for what he’s put on tape.”
Benedet’s rise is particularly noteworthy given the veteran and experienced options at the position. Incumbent Braxton Jones has recently been fully medically cleared and has also seen time with the starting group during camp, adding stability to the mix.
The competition also features second-round rookie Ozzy Trapilo, who has worked at both tackle spots this summer. Trapilo, a Boston College alum, played primarily as a right tackle in college but could find himself on the blind side depending on how the weeks unfold. In addition, 2024 third-rounder Kiran Amegadjie has been in the mix, though he found himself on the third-team offense on Wednesday and has dealt with a leg injury that has slowed his progress.
Johnson stressed that the Bears want a clear-cut starter, but have not yet seen a decisive winner emerge. “We’ll go as long as we need to go to find the right guy,” he said. “But we’d like to see someone go ahead and make it clear to us that he is that guy and we just haven’t seen that yet as a staff. There’s been too much up and down.”
All four candidates could see action Sunday against the Bills as Chicago continues to evaluate depth up front. Benedet, in particular, figures to be watched closely as the Bears seek clarity on their overall depth chart at the crucial left-tackle position.
What this means for the Bears
– The emergence of Benedet adds an intriguing layer to the Bears’ offensive-line depth, potentially pushing Jones or providing a valuable swing option if Benedet continues to develop.
– The presence of Trapilo and Amegadjie gives Chicago multiple development paths at tackle, which can pay off if injuries or performance gaps arise during the season.
– The Bills preseason matchup will serve as an important real-world test to gauge technique, footwork, and consistency against pro talent.
Summary
The Bears are letting the competition play out to find the best fit at left tackle, with Benedet’s steady push earning him a serious look alongside a veteran starter and several young teammates. The ongoing evaluation demonstrates Chicago’s commitment to building a versatile, depth-rich offensive line for a new coaching regime.
Positive note
The growing depth at the critical left-tackle spot signals a proactive approach to protecting the quarterback and establishing a more resilient offense, which could pay dividends as the season approaches.