Chicago Bears must consider bargain bin free agent before training camp

“If it’s the latter, an organization can still swoop in and get him on the roster. Even if Wills does miss a large portion of the 2025 campaign, he can be in the building, learning a new system, getting used to a different organization and readying himself once he’s cleared medically. Furthermore, a franchise with a need at left tackle can get him in the building on a potential two-year deal to help its depth while continuing his development.”

“Left tackles aren’t readily available at this time of year,” he concluded. “Signing Wills would be a perfect example of buying low.”

Chicago Bears left tackle situation 

Heading into training camp, Braxton Jones, Ozzy Trapilo and Kiran Amegadjie will all be battling for the starting left tackle job. All three are in much different situations regarding their status in Chicago.

Jones is the incumbent and looked strong when on the field in 2024. His 77.4 grade from Pro Football Focus ranked 21/140 tackles. However, injuries have taken a major toll on Jones’ career. He played in just 12 games in 2024 after appearing in 11 the year prior. Once he makes his injury return in training camp, Jones must first and foremost prove he can remain on the field.

In his absence, rookie Trapilo and sophomore Amegadjie have been splitting reps. Trapilo is moving from the right to the left and looking to prove he can stick. Amegadjie dealt with injury problems of his own as a rookie and is looking to show what he can offer to the new coaching staff.

Looking forward, Jones is a free agent after the season. Even if Trapilo or Amegadjie win the job, they have little experience at the NFL level. The left tackle battle at training camp will be extremely telling and will give Johnson a strong idea of how to handle the position in 2025 and beyond.

How Jedrick Wills Jr can help 

Wills’ strongest asset is his experience. Since entering the league as the No. 10 overall pick in 2020, the left tackle has gone on to start 57 games at the NFL level. That would give the Bears some much needed insurance at the position, especially if Jones leaves in free agency.

His signing wouldn’t make the Bears world beaters over night. Last time he was on the field, his PFF grade of 52.9 ranked 108/140 tackles. However, Wills has shown flashes of brilliance throughout his career. Furthermore, he is only 26-years-old. If he is able to truly get past his injury problems, perhaps he can be a strong contributor once more. He does have experience on the right side if the Bears use him in a swing role.

Overall, Chicago knows that signing Wills would be more of a calculated risk than a sure thing. But the Bears are seemingly situated at every other position on the offensive line. Johnson and company will be doing everything in their power to find the right option on the left. If nothing else, Wills has proven he can man the fort at left tackle consistently.

Perhaps Jones plays all 17 games or Trapilo/Amegadjie steps up, then this all becomes a moot point. But if left tackle continues to be a problem as the season rages on, Wills could be the answer to Chicago’s problems.