Why the Chicago Bears Offensive Line Could Derail the 2026 Season

Jan 18, 2026; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson looks on against the Los Angeles Rams during the second quarter of an NFC Divisional Round game at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images

One of the bigger topics of discussion amongst the Chicago Bears this offseason has been the status of the offensive line. Drew Dalamn's surprise retirement and the injury that Ozzy Trapilo suffered in the playoffs last season left massive holes in the lineup. Even so, Bears fans have a belief that Ben Johnson will figure out the optimal starting offensive line entering Week 1. That said, the changes among the Chicago Bears' offensive line could be the single biggest factor that derails the Bears' success in 2026.

The Chicago Bears' Success in 2026 Hinges on the Success of Their New Offensive Line

Bears fans' trust in Johnson to put together a good offensive line in 2026 was rightfully earned. Last season, Chicago's offensive line ranked 3rd in the NFL, according to PFF. This follows multiple seasons where the Bears ranked among the worst offensive lines in football. Nevertheless, if things go badly, significant changes at center and left tackle would explain it.

Drew Dalman Vs Garrett Bradberry

Metric( Per PFF)	Drew Dalman (2025)	Garrett Bradberry (2025)
Run Blocking Grade	78.9 (7th)	56.2 (35th)
Pass Blocking Grade	69.0	63.1
QB Pressures (Sacks+ QB Hits+ QB Hurries)	24	20
Penalties	3	0

Johnson clearly believes in Bradberry, or he wouldn't have had Ryan Poles trade for him. Still, the disparency in play, according to PFF, is concerning. For starters, Bradberry's run-blocking grade is well below Dalman's. This is a huge issue because Johnson's offense relies heavily on the ground game.

His struggles as a run blocker in 2025 seem to be an anomaly, having posted a grade below 65 just once in his previous six seasons with the Minnesota Vikings. While BradBeryy has historically been a decent run blocker, he has struggled in pass protection. During his time in Minnesota, he recorded just one season with a pass blocking grade higher than 60.

If the center position takes a step back, it won't just affect one player. A decline in play from Bradbury could make it harder for the Bears to establish the run game and stay ahead of the chains. That would put Caleb Williams in more obvious passing situations and create more pressure on the offense as a whole. If that happens, it will be much harder for Ben Johnson to call games the way he wants to.

Bradbury has historically been a capable starter, but he has also struggled at times in pass protection throughout his career. Those concerns are likely one reason Chicago selected Logan Jones in the draft.

While both fans and coaches seem high on Jones, he only took snaps with the second team during OTAs and mandatory minicamp. Though many still hope that Jones can become the starting center by Week 1, it doesn't seem highly likely. A potential drop off in center play will be felt along the entire offensive line, especially at left tackle.

Questions at Left Tackle May Cause Huge Issues for Chicago in 2026

Entering the 2025 season, Chicago had major questions at left tackle. Braxton Jones, Ozzy Trapilo, Theo Benedet and Kiran Amegadjie all battled for the starting tackle Job in training camp. While Jones started the season at left tackle, Theo Benedet ended up replacing him in Week 4. Eventually, Trapilo became the starter and played well.

Unfortunately, Traplio ruptured his patellar tendon in the wild-card game against the Green Bay Packers. His injury puts the Bears back in a similar position at left tackle heading into this season. Though this time, Chicago could be worse off.

Last season, the Bears could afford to have questions at left tackle since the rest of their line was solid. But this year, with the uncertainty of the level of play at center, having questions at left tackle is a bigger issue.

Having two potential areas of weakness on the offensive line gives defenses an easier time game planning. This is because Johnson likely won't be able to scheme help for two linemen on the same play.

Following OTA's and minicamp, it seems Jones is the frontrunner for the starting left tackle job. If this holds, then Johnson and Bears fans will have to worry yet again about the bull rush affecting our left tackle.

The worst-case scenario for Chicago in 2026 is that both left tackle and center take a major step back. If that happens, the Bears will not repeat as NFC North Champions or even make the playoffs.