The 2024 NFL campaign will be critical in the young and impressive career of Chicago Bears offensive tackle Braxton Jones. After serving as a primary starter for two consecutive seasons, Jones will be tasked with stringing together more consistent performances while facing competition for his long-term role. An opportunity to protect the blind side for No. 1 overall quarterback Caleb Williams is up for grabs.
Despite being the 168th selection in the 2022 NFL Draft, Jones surprisingly won the starting job at left tackle as a fifth-round rookie after other options underwhelmed throughout training camp. Jones ended up playing 100% of Chicago’s plays, totaling a team-high 1,034 snaps.
Jones was rock-solid as a run blocker, earning a grade of 79.4 in that department from Pro Football Focus. The Murray, Utah native was less reliable in pass protection and was credited with allowing 7.0 sacks and 40 pressures.
Jones entered his sophomore season as the unquestioned starter at left tackle, but the results could have been more impressive. Jones struggled early, particularly with penalties—he was whistled for nine total infractions. He also injured his neck in Week 2 and missed six games.
Jones improved following his return to the lineup, showcasing the form that made him so impressive as a rookie. He'll enter July's training camp as the favorite to be the Bears' starting left tackle for a third straight season, but general manager Ryan Poles did add competition to the position. Poles selected former Yale offensive tackle Kiran Amegadjie with a third-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
The Bears showed consistent interest in Amegadjie throughout the pre-draft process. They hosted him on an in-person visit at Halas Hall before utilizing the 75th selection on him. Amegadjie may be viewed as Chicago’s franchise left tackle of the future.
"Potentially, but not Year 1." -- Ryan Poles when asked if Kiran Amegadjie can push Braxton Jones for a starting job
— Nicholas Moreano (@NicholasMoreano) April 27, 2024
Poles also said he doesn't want to put a ceiling on Kiran Amegadjie, though. pic.twitter.com/WoSFoXg62A
Poles completely revamped the identity of the Bears offense this offseason. Williams and wide receiver Rome Odunze will spearhead a new era of top-10 selections. Offensive coordinator Shane Waldron was hired to oversee a system change.
The offensive line will be crucial to determining Chicago’s actual upside on offense. Last year’s first-round pick Darnell Wright is the starting right tackle. Nate Davis and Teven Jenkins are the guards, and offseason acquisitions Coleman Shelton and Ryan Bates will compete at center. How Jones performs at left tackle while attempting to fend Amegadjie off is arguably the biggest key to unlocking the Bears’ potential.
Jones will become eligible to sign an extension after the 2024 campaign. He is slated to enter a contract year in 2025 after earning a base salary of $985,000 this season. Perhaps Amegadjie was drafted with an eye toward Jones' eventual departure.
Jones has outperformed expectations as a pleasant late-round surprise, but the Bears are attempting to improve the left tackle spot for Williams. The onus falls on Jones to establish himself as a long-term starter instead of the bridge-type solution he’s been. Amegadjie is lurking.
