The Chicago Bears are 2-1 to start the season, and what is most dangerous about that is that the team is not quite complete. At left tackle, they have had a rotation with Braxton Jones and Theo Benedet. The rotation had been planned, but Benedet had to take on more work when Jones got hurt in Week 3.
Chicago Bears Could Add a Starting LT
With Jones’ status uncertain, Benedet struggling as a backup, and Ozzy Trapilo still recovering from his torn patellar tendon, the Bears have emerged as an option for Jacksonville Jaguars left tackle Walker Little, according to Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report.
Knox notes that Little is expendable in Jacksonville due to their tackle situation. So, while they are contending, they could still make a trade.
“Jacksonville would likely consider flipping Little for draft capital and/or some defensive help ahead of the trade deadline,” wrote Knox. “Doing so would save the Jags $11.4 million in cap space.”
As things stand, Little is the Jaguars' third tackle. Jacksonville has former first-round pick Anton Harrison at left tackle. They also extended Cole Van Lanen, and he is locked in at right tackle.
The Jaguars extended Little before the new coaching staff came in. So, he is locked in on a deal and is viewed as a starting-caliber player, but he is not going to get the chance to start in Jacksonville. On paper, he would be an upgrade over Braxton Jones and Theo Benedet.
He would also help the team ease Trapilo back in. Trapilo was a rookie who was switching positions the last time he was on the field, so he might not hit the ground running, either. It would make sense for a team contending to add a tackle they know can start.
At the same time, that is a significant moving piece. While the Bears are shuffling at tackle already, Jones is a five-year starter in Chicago. He started in Week 1 for the Bears last year. Benedet started in eight games with the Bears under Ben Johnson as well.
So, both know the offense better than Little. By the time Little learns the offense, they should have Trapilo back. Trapilo could struggle and take time to get back up to speed. However, he cannot shake off the rust on the bench. So, he needs regular-season work to be ready for the playoffs.
The Bears are likely to stand pat unless they get bad news in the coming weeks.
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