Braxton Jones Faces Trade Speculation as Bears Approach Deadline
The Chicago Bears find themselves at a crossroads as the NFL trade deadline approaches. With Theo Benedet stepping into the role of starting left tackle, Braxton Jones has emerged as a potential trade candidate, raising questions about his future with the franchise.
Benedet’s Status Following Week 7 Performance
Despite a challenging outing against the New Orleans Saints in Week 7, Benedet has solidified his position as the Bears’ left tackle. His performance, while not exceptional, was enough to maintain his starting role, and barring an unforeseen disaster against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 8, it appears Benedet will continue to lead the offensive line. This development leaves Jones, a fourth-year veteran, looking on from the sidelines.
Jones’ Journey and Value
Jones, who was once a promising prospect, has seen his career take a hit due to a season-ending injury last year. Prior to that setback, he showcased some of the best football of his career, playing at a level that could be deemed league-average—an impressive feat for a player selected in the fifth round of the draft. His skill set includes strong instincts, solid speed, and refined technique. However, he has struggled against more powerful pass rushers, which has limited his effectiveness at times.
With 40 NFL starts under his belt, Jones has valuable experience that would make him an attractive option for teams in need of offensive line depth. This resume has not gone unnoticed, as ESPN recently included him in a list of the top 25 players who could be moved before the trade deadline.
What Lies Ahead for Jones and the Bears
As the Bears weigh their options, the decision to trade Jones could hinge on how Benedet performs moving forward and the overall direction of the team. While it is clear that Jones is not currently in the starting lineup, his potential to contribute to another team could prompt Chicago to make a move before the deadline.
The coming weeks will be pivotal for both Jones and the Bears, as the organization must balance the need for immediate performance with long-term strategy.
