With Trapilo out, the Bears are exploring options to fill the left tackle spot. Yahoo Sports’ Nate Tice suggested a temporary solution: signing Carolina Panthers tackle Yosh Nijman on a one-year, low-cost deal. Nijman, 30, is 6’7” and 317 pounds and posted a strong showing last season, allowing only two sacks across 278 offensive snaps.
Tice argues there are limited free-agent tackle options and that Chicago should not rely on a high-round pick at this position in the 2026 NFL Draft, given Trapilo’s investment and the team’s still-developing offensive line. He also notes that any new addition should bring versatility to bolster depth behind veteran linemen.
If the Bears pursue Nijman, the move would provide a practical stopgap while Chicago considers other long-term solutions. Nijman’s market value sits around $1 million, making him a feasible short-term option that could create competition for Benedet and help preserve draft flexibility for other needs, such as defensive line improvements.
Beyond a potential Nijman signing, experts emphasize addressing the Bears’ defense upfront. Current metrics show Chicago struggled to pressure the quarterback consistently and allowed minimal run-stopping impact at the line, underscoring the need for an enhanced pass rush and interior disruption to support the offense’s recovery from Trapilo’s injury.
In sum, the Bears face a practical, short-term fix at left tackle to bridge the gap left by Trapilo while evaluating longer-term solutions, with Nijman as a plausible one-year option alongside continued development of internal depth. This approach aligns with a broader focus on upgrading the defensive front to improve overall team performance.
