CHICAGO, Ill. – The Chicago Bears’ season begins tonight under the Monday night lights at Soldier Field, and the spotlight will fall squarely on their offensive line. After years of inconsistency up front, general manager Ryan Poles rebuilt the group this offseason, giving head coach Ben Johnson a front five designed to protect Caleb Williams and control games at the line of scrimmage.
Chicago invested heavily in veterans and leaned on young cornerstones. The result: a unit with pedigree, toughness and high expectations.
Braxton Jones, left tackle
Jones returns after a fractured fibula ended his 2024 season in December. A fifth-round pick in 2022, he has already logged 30 career starts and shown the athleticism to handle speed on the edge. At 6-foot-5 with long arms, Jones has the tools to hold down the blind side, but consistency will determine whether he cements his role. His assignment tonight against Minnesota pass rusher Jonathan Greenard offers an immediate test.
Joe Thuney, left guard
Thuney arrives in Chicago with four Super Bowl rings and a decade of experience as one of the NFL’s most technically sound interior linemen. Durable and disciplined, he rarely misses assignments and provides the kind of veteran presence the Bears have lacked. His pairing with Jones solidifies the left side and gives Williams proven protection on his blind side.
Drew Dalman, center
Dalman started 40 games over the past three seasons with Atlanta before landing in Chicago this spring. Agile and sharp in diagnosing defenses, he’s charged with calling protections and keeping the line in sync—vital in Johnson’s system, which demands precision from its center. Dalman’s ability to recognize Minnesota’s shifting looks will go a long way in determining how comfortable Williams feels in the pocket.
Jonah Jackson, right guard
Poles swung a trade with the Rams to bring Jackson to Chicago, betting on his physicality and proven starting experience. A former Detroit Lion before a brief stop in Los Angeles, Jackson is known for his power in the run game and his ability to move defenders off the ball. Lined up next to Darnell Wright, he gives the right side of the line a punishing edge.
Darnell Wright, right tackle
The Bears’ 2023 first-round pick enters his third season with 33 starts under his belt. At 6-foot-6 and 335 pounds, Wright combines sheer size with surprising mobility. He’s developing into a cornerstone on the right edge, but his continued growth will dictate how high this unit can climb. Tonight, his ability to hold up against Minnesota’s edge rushers will be critical in keeping the offense on schedule.
Chicago’s line has been rebuilt for nights like this. If the five up front control the trenches, Williams will have time to operate, the running game will find room, and Johnson can roll out his full playbook. If protection breaks down, the Vikings’ pressure could derail drives and force the Bears into reactive football.
The formula is simple, but the stakes are high. The Bears invested in the offensive line to turn a weakness into a strength. Tonight, under the lights of Soldier Field, those five starters will determine whether Chicago begins 2025 on the front foot—or in catch-up mode.
