The Chicago Bears won’t have another chance to make trades until the 2025 offseason, but Windy City Gridiron is already speculating about potential moves, including trading left tackle Braxton Jones.
Jacob Infante, WCG’s lead NFL draft analyst, recently outlined a seven-round 2025 mock draft for the Bears and included a potential trade scenario with the Kansas City Chiefs. In his proposal, the Chiefs would acquire Jones in exchange for a 2025 fourth-round pick and a 2026 third-round pick.
“Chicago wouldn’t land a massive return for Jones since 2025 is the final year of his rookie deal,” Infante explained in his pre-Week 11 mock draft on November 12.
“However, the Chiefs are struggling at left tackle, and Jones would represent a significant upgrade. While it’s unclear if they’d extend him, his affordable 2025 salary makes him a valuable asset at a critical position as they aim for another Super Bowl run. It’s a win-win for both teams.”
Can Bears Depend on Braxton Jones for Long Term?
Braxton Jones has outperformed expectations during his first three seasons with the Bears. The 2022 fifth-round pick has started 36 games at left tackle, including all 17 during his rookie year, and has steadily developed into an above-average player at the position. His impressive size (6-foot-5, 310 pounds) and focus on refining his technique have been key to his growth.
Jones even delivered a standout moment in the Bears’ narrow 20-19 loss to the Packers in Week 11. Late in the third quarter, he executed a crushing block on Packers rookie safety Evan Williams during a left-side run, clearing the way for D’Andre Swift’s 39-yard touchdown. The play gave the Bears a brief five-point lead over their division rivals.
As Jones heads into a contract year in 2025, the Bears face critical questions about his long-term role at left tackle. While he’s been a reliable presence over his first three seasons, can he elevate his game to an elite or Pro Bowl level? If the team isn’t confident in his potential to reach those heights, they may consider upgrading the position to better protect franchise quarterback Caleb Williams.
Injury concerns also factor into the equation. Jones 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 these setbacks were manageable on his affordable rookie deal, they could become a bigger obstacle when it’s time to negotiate a new contract.
Though Jones still has a chance to cement his place in the Bears’ future plans, he hasn’t fully secured it yet.
Bears Could Replace Braxton Jones With Top 2025 Pick
If the Bears were to consider trading Braxton Jones during the 2025 offseason, they would need a solid replacement plan for the left tackle position. Fortunately, Jacob Infante has a suggestion to support his trade proposal: using Chicago’s first-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft to select LSU standout left tackle Will Campbell.
Campbell could emerge as a top fan-favorite option for the Bears in the draft, assuming their current trajectory holds. Following Week 11, the Bears are projected to pick at No. 14 overall. The 6-foot-6, 323-pound Campbell is a dominant, physical blocker with the ideal length and athleticism to excel as an NFL tackle, projecting as an immediate starter for any team that selects him.
Pro Football Focus highlights Campbell’s excellence, noting that he lost just eight of his first 317 pass-blocking snaps in 2024 and has surrendered only one sack all season. PFF ranks Campbell as the top offensive tackle in the 2025 draft class and the No. 8 overall prospect on their Big Board, ahead of Texas’ Kelvin Banks Jr. (ranked No. 11).
However, Campbell’s rising stock could make him difficult to land without a top-10 pick. If the Bears manage to secure one of those coveted selections by season’s end, Campbell would be an ideal target to solidify their offensive line.
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