The Chicago Bears won’t have another chance to make a trade until the 2025 offseason, but Windy City Gridiron is already exploring potential moves, including the possibility of trading left tackle Braxton Jones.
Jacob Infante, WCG’s lead NFL draft analyst, recently shared a seven-round mock draft for the Bears, which included a hypothetical trade where the Kansas City Chiefs acquire Jones.
In this scenario, Infante envisions the Bears receiving the Chiefs’ 2025 fourth-round pick and a 2026 third-round pick in exchange for the 25-year-old left tackle.
“Chicago likely wouldn’t receive a significant return for Jones, as 2025 marks the final year of his rookie contract,” Infante explained in his pre-Week 11 mock draft on November 12.
“That said, the Chiefs are facing a major issue at left tackle, and Jones would represent a significant improvement over their current options. While it’s uncertain if they’d extend his contract, his affordable 2025 salary would make him a valuable asset at a crucial position as they aim for another Super Bowl run. It’s a mutually beneficial deal for both teams.”
**Can the Bears Rely on Braxton Jones for the Long Term?**
Braxton Jones has surpassed expectations during his first three seasons with the Chicago Bears. A 2022 fifth-round draft pick, Jones has started 36 games at left tackle—including all 17 during his rookie season—and has steadily developed into an above-average player at the position. His impressive frame (6-foot-5, 310 pounds) combined with consistent work on refining his technique has been key to his growth.
Jones showcased his potential in a standout moment during the Bears’ 20-19 loss to the Packers in Week 11. Late in the third quarter, he made a pivotal play on a left-side run, getting ahead of running back D’Andre Swift and delivering a powerful block on Packers rookie safety Evan Williams. The block opened the path for Swift’s 39-yard touchdown run, giving the Bears a temporary five-point lead over their division rivals.
Jones’ performance highlights his ability to make impactful plays, raising the question of whether he can be a cornerstone for the Bears’ offensive line in the years to come.
With Braxton Jones entering the final year of his rookie contract in 2025, the Bears face critical questions about his long-term potential at left tackle. While Jones has been a dependable starter over his first three seasons, the team must evaluate whether he can elevate his play to an elite or Pro Bowl level. If they don’t believe he can make that leap, the Bears might pursue an upgrade at the position to ensure better protection for their franchise quarterback, Caleb Williams.
Another factor complicating Jones’ future is his injury history. He missed six games in 2023 due to a hamstring injury and has already been sidelined for two games in 2024 with a knee issue. While his rookie deal—valued at four years and $3.9 million—makes it easier to overlook these setbacks, negotiating a new contract could bring these concerns to the forefront.
Jones still has time to prove he’s worthy of a long-term commitment from Chicago, but as of now, he hasn’t secured his spot in the team’s future plans.
**Bears Could Target Will Campbell as Braxton Jones’ Replacement**
If the Bears decide to explore trade options for Braxton Jones in the 2025 offseason, they would need a solid plan to fill the left tackle position. NFL draft analyst Jacob Infante suggests one potential solution: using their 2025 first-round pick to select LSU standout left tackle Will Campbell.
Campbell, a 6-foot-6, 323-pound powerhouse, could quickly become a favorite among Bears fans. Known for his strength, physicality, and impressive length, Campbell has the athleticism to thrive as an NFL tackle and is widely projected as a plug-and-play starter.
As of Week 11, the Bears are projected to have the No. 14 overall pick in the 2025 draft. If their draft position holds steady, Campbell could be within reach, offering Chicago an immediate and long-term answer at one of the most critical positions on the offensive line.
According to **Pro Football Focus (PFF)**, LSU left tackle Will Campbell has been dominant this season, surrendering just one sack across his first 317 pass-blocking snaps and losing only eight matchups in that span. PFF currently ranks Campbell as the top offensive tackle in the 2025 draft class and the No. 8 overall prospect on its Big Board, ahead of notable players like Texas’ Kelvin Banks Jr. (ranked No. 11).
If Campbell’s reputation continues to rise, the Bears may face challenges securing him without a top-10 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. However, should Chicago land one of those coveted selections, Campbell would emerge as an ideal candidate to bolster their offensive line and replace Braxton Jones at left tackle.
