Bears bringing back LT Braxton Jones

The Bears didn't have to look far to find a potential short-term fix at left tackle.

Now Braxton Jones has to fare better than he did last year.

The Bears are betting he will after agreeing to sign him to a one-year, $5 million contract that could be worth as much as $10 million in 2026, a source confirmed. A full offseason might do the trick — Jones spent all last season recovering from a broken right leg and was unable to add bulk or flexibility.

Coach Ben Johnson made Jones his reluctant starting left tackle to begin the season, but he was replaced during their Week 4 game against the Raiders and didn't start again. He hurt his knee in Week 7 and was activated from injured reserve before the playoff game against the Rams. He was inactive for that game.

The Bears were in the market for at least a temporary answer at left tackle because Ozzy Trapilo, who hurt his patellar tendon in the playoff game against the Packers, isn't expected to return until late in the season. The addition of Jones doesn't close the door to the possibility the Bears add depth, likely in the draft, to join Jones and Theo Benedet at the position.