GM Ryan Poles said in a recent video that he remains concerned about the Chicago Bears' left tackle situation. Braxton Jones managed to retain the job after an extended competition in camp. However, he didn't exactly do it convincingly. He was aided by some fortunate breaks, like Kiran Amegadjie getting hurt and Ozzy Trapilo struggling with the transition from right tackle. That left the Bears with only one logical option. So despite clear signs he's not 100% healthy, Jones will start the opener against Minnesota.
Yet head coach Ben Johnson made it clear that no final decision has been made. Depending on how things unfold, there could be some changes. Most took that to mean they might go back to Amegadjie or Trapilo as options. Then again, there is always the outside chance that they will seek an alternative in the veteran market. Sure enough, news broke that the Bears planned to work out 31-year-old Zach Banner, a former 4th round pick of the Indianapolis Colts who appeared in 30 games between 2017 and 2021.
Ryan Poles might be doing the work for Johnson and Dan Roushar.
At first glance, Chicago's interest in Banner is difficult to understand. He has only started two games in his career. All told, he's logged 87 regular season snaps, allowing seven pressures and one sack. What jumped out about him in the draft was his incredible size: 6'8, 350 lbs, and near-35-inch arms. Banner had a reputation as a punishing run blocker, having paved the way for USC stars like Ronald Jones and Javorius Allen.
Ryan Poles would not see him as a possible starting option at left tackle unless Johnson and Roushar see something other teams don't. The likely idea is that the Bears want more size up front, somebody who can help the ground attack as an extra blocker. Johnson has done this in the past, as seen in Detroit's playoff victory over the Rams. Banner could fill that role if the Bears aren't sure about their other options.
