Braxton Jones wins Bears left-tackle job for fifth straight opener

Braxton Jones kept the Bears' starting left-tackle job after returning to Chicago as an unrestricted free agent. Ben Johnson announced the decision September 8, putting Jones in line for a fifth consecutive opening-day start.

NBC Sports also reported the selection. Jones first won the position as a fifth-round pick from Southern Utah in 2022.

The Bears' announcement described a player who wanted to return and compete for his old assignment. Free agency gave Jones a decision about where to continue his career; the competition then gave Chicago a decision about who would protect Caleb Williams' blind side.

The opener supplied an encouraging team result. Chicago beat Carolina 59-37 on September 13, running for 291 yards and scoring eight touchdowns. Those totals describe the offense's performance, rather than an individual blocking grade for Jones.

With Darnell Wright established at right tackle, retaining Jones gives the Bears familiar starters on both edges. The next measure of the decision will be how the line handles the different fronts and pass rushes on the regular-season schedule.