Bears Linked to Projected $85 Million Left Tackle in Free Agency

The Chicago Bears are eyeing the left tackle spot in the 2026 NFL offseason after rookie Ozzy Trapilo suffered a long-term injury, which could force them to look for an upgrade at left tackle right away. They project to be about $4.3 million over the cap entering the new league year and won’t have the same room to maneuver as teams with top-10 cap space. Still, the Bears have several cut or restructuring options—like Jaylon Johnson, Drew Dalman, and Cole Kmet—that could free up enough money for a notable addition in March. The front office will have to decide which positions to prioritize, with defensive line depth and safeties also on the radar, but the left tackle position remains a potential weak point. 🏈💼

Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox floated the Bears as a prime landing spot for Packers left tackle Rasheed Walker, projecting a four-year, $85 million deal for a durable starter. Walker, who turns 26 in February, has started 52 games at left tackle and stepped in after David Bakhtiari’s injury in 2023, playing 55 straight games and handling pass protection for Jordan Love fairly well. His durability is appealing, but there are real questions about his run-blocking in a zone-running scheme and how that would translate to Chicago’s blocking needs. 🧰⚠️

Walker’s run-blocking struggles are a notable red flag for a team in need of a more complete upgrade. PFF has him graded poorly as a run-blocker (55.4), ranking near the bottom among tackles, despite a decent pass-protection profile and a 35% pass-block win rate. In 2025 he regressed in pass protection and allowed more pressures (34) and penalties (nine) than in 2024. Given the hefty price tag and those run-blocking limitations, the Bears may be wary of investing in Walker as a long-term answer. 🧭🛑

The injury to Trapilo only amplifies the urgency at left tackle, as recovery from a patellar tendon tear typically spans six to twelve months, likely sidelining him for the entire 2026 offseason and potentially into the start of the season. Chicago may have little choice but to pursue a solution via free agency or the draft, with a realistic path likely involving Day 1 or Day 2 picks to develop a starter rather than banking on a risky, high-cost free-agent signer. A trade for a proven LT remains possible but would likely require a substantial return. 🗓️🔄

In the end, the Bears are expected to address left tackle, but cap constraints will shape their approach. Free agency may yield limited, high-cost options, so the draft becomes an attractive route for a long-term solution, supplemented by selective restructures to create breathing room. Rasheed Walker remains a tempting name on paper, but his fit and price may push Chicago toward younger, cost-controlled options or a developmental plan from the draft. The situation suggests a pragmatic blend of cap management and building from within the roster as they navigate the 2026 offseason. 🧭🏈