So, here we are. It’s early 2026, the Chicago Bears are prepping for an NFC Divisional Round matchup against the Los Angeles Rams, and the biggest talking point isn't just Caleb Williams’ arm—it's who is guarding his blindside. If you told a Bears fan a year ago that an undrafted kid from the University of British Columbia would be the hinge point of a playoff run, they’d probably have asked you to pass whatever you were drinking.
But honestly? Chicago Bears may have new starting left tackle Theo Benedet as their permanent solution, and it’s not just some experimental mid-season fluke.
With Ozzy Trapilo—the rookie who had taken over the role late in the season—now sidelined with a torn patellar tendon, the spotlight has swung back to the "Canadian Eagle." Head coach Ben Johnson and offensive coordinator Declan Doyle are facing a massive decision: do they go back to the veteran Braxton Jones, or do they let Benedet ride?
The Canadian Eagle’s Weird Path to the Pros
Theo Benedet isn't your typical blue-chip prospect. He’s 6'7", 305 pounds of North Vancouver grit. Most NFL tackles come through the massive factories of the SEC or the Big Ten, but Benedet dominated U Sports at UBC. He won the J.P. Metras Trophy twice. That’s the award for the best lineman in all of Canada. He was the first guy to go back-to-back with that honor.
Still, the NFL draft came and went in 2024, and his name wasn't called.
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He signed as an undrafted free agent (UDFA) and basically spent his first year in the shadows. Most people only knew him because of that legendary "Hard Knocks" skit where he sang "God Bless the USA" in a bald eagle Speedo. It was hilarious, sure, but it didn't exactly scream "future starting left tackle." Then a calf injury wiped out his 2024 rookie preseason, and he ended up on the practice squad.
Fast forward to the 2025 season. The Bears’ offensive line was a mess of "what-ifs." Braxton Jones, a three-year starter, was struggling with consistency after ankle surgery. The team brought in veteran Joe Thuney at guard to stabilize things, but the tackle spots were still shaky.
That Week 4 Pivot
The real shift happened on September 28, 2025. The Bears were playing the Raiders. Darnell Wright went down, and Benedet—who had barely seen the field—got thrown in at right tackle. He held his own against Maxx Crosby. Let that sink in. A kid from UBC against one of the most terrifying edge rushers in the league.
Midway through that game, the coaches saw enough. They flipped Benedet to the left side, benched a struggling Braxton Jones, and moved rookie Ozzy Trapilo to the right.
Basically, the Bears realized they had a guy who was "ascending," as Doyle put it. By the time they hit the Monday Night Football game against the Commanders in October, Ben Johnson didn't even want to make a big announcement. He just smiled at the press and said, "It’s Theo. And go, Cubs."
Why Benedet Actually Works (The Nerd Stuff)
What makes people get Benedet wrong is they think he’s just a "project" because of his background. But his tape tells a different story.
- The Recovery Speed: In the NFL, you’re going to get beat. It happens. But Benedet has this weird, elastic athleticism. He can get pushed back and somehow reset his feet fast enough to keep the pocket from collapsing.
- The "Non-Presence": Ben Johnson gave him the ultimate O-line compliment after the Commanders game. He said he "didn't feel him out there." When a play-caller doesn't have to worry about a specific tackle failing, they can actually run the playbook.
- The Run Blocking Motor: There’s a specific play from the 2025 season where D’Andre Swift broke a long run to the right. Benedet, starting at left tackle, sprinted 20 yards downfield to take out a safety. That kind of hustle is rare for a guy that size.
The Looming Playoff Decision
Now, here’s the drama. Benedet had a quad injury in November that forced him out for a bit, allowing Ozzy Trapilo to cement himself as the starter. Trapilo was playing out of his mind until the injury bug bit him last week.
So now, as the Bears look at the Rams in the Divisional Round, the choice is between the "safe" veteran Braxton Jones and the high-ceiling Theo Benedet.
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The fans on r/CHIBears are losing their minds over it. Half the people think Jones’ experience is necessary for the playoffs. The other half—the ones watching the film—see that the offense just flows better when Benedet is in there. He’s got that "old-school edge." Even his teammate Jonah Jackson called him a "great professional" despite being so young.
The Verdict on the Blindside
Honestly, the Chicago Bears may have new starting left tackle Theo Benedet for the long haul, not just for this weekend. He’s already proven he can play both sides of the line, which makes him the ultimate "swing" insurance, but his ceiling at left tackle is arguably higher than anyone else on the current roster.
If he starts against the Rams and keeps Caleb Williams upright, the "Canadian Eagle" nickname is going to be a permanent fixture in Chicago sports lore.
What you should do next:
If you're watching the Bears game this weekend, keep your eyes on number 79. Don't just watch the ball. Watch how Benedet handles the speed rush. If he’s winning his one-on-ones without help from a tight end, you’re looking at the Bears' left tackle for the next five years. You might also want to check out his UBC highlights—the guy was a man among boys up north, and that aggressive "finisher" mentality is exactly what the Bears have lacked on the edges for a decade.