Chicago Bears Offensive Line Opens as Top-5 Unit Going Into 2026 NFL Season

The Chicago Bears leaned on their offensive line last season. 

With the additions of Joe Thuney, Drew Dalman and Jonah Jackson and Darnell Wright anchoring the right tackle position, Chicago's O-line helped first-year coach Ben Johnson run his offense they way he wanted. 

The Bears finished with the third most rushing yards, and quarterback Caleb Williams threw for 3,942 yards, ninth most among quarterbacks. 

Thuney, Dalman, Jackson and Wright all played at least 93% of the offensive snaps last season, providing stability for the entire offense. Left tackle was the lone spt that had fluctuation with Braxton Jones, Theo Benedet, Ozzy Trapilo and Thuney all taking snaps at the position at some point throughout the regular season and playoffs. 

Going into the 2026 season, there will be a new starting center. After Dalman's retirement, the Bears traded for veteran Garrett Bradbury and drafted Logan Jones out of Iowa in the second round. Bradbury is the front runner to start. 

There is also an open competition at left tackle. Jones' primary competition will be former first-round draft pick Jedrick Wills, who signed a one-year deal to join Chicago's roster. 

Despite the changes, the Bears' offensive line is still viewed among NFL media as one of the best untis. The Bears ranked fourth in the NFL using Football Insights' consensus list, which used multiple sources and their O-line rankings going into the 2026 season. 

Thuney finished as a first team All-Pro and won named the first-ever NFL Protector of the Year.

Wright is coming off of his best season as pro, earning second-team All-Pro honors after he allowed just three sacks and 19 total quarterback pressures on 1,074 offensive snaps.

Jackson played in all 17 games after playing in just four games in 2024. The veteran right guard finished the 2025 season with just three sacks allowed and a 72.3 blocking grade.

Bradbury, 31, played 1,070 offensive snaps last season for the New England Patriots. He allowed zero sacks, four quarterback hats and was flagged for zero penalties in 2025.

The only position that is in question is left tackle, but four of the five positions are solidified going into the 2026 season.

Coach Ben Johnson's offense finished as one of the best units last season and the offensive line played a pivotal role in making that happen. 

For Johnson’s offense to take the next step, the Bears' O-line must remain its strongest asset.