The Bears have a hole at left tackle.
And according to their own offensive line coach, the answer might not be coming from outside the building.

Bears’ Left Tackle Mystery: Dan Roushar Reveals Where Chicago May Find Its Next Starter

The Chicago Bears have a problem.

Ozzy Trapilo’s patellar tendon injury has left the left tackle position wide open — and with free agency looming and the draft approaching, no one knows exactly how Chicago plans to fix it.

Not even GM Ryan Poles.

Speaking at the NFL Combine, Poles admitted the tackle class in this year’s draft is difficult to predict.

“Sometimes there’s a run, sometimes there are guys sitting there waiting for you,” Poles said. “We’ll see how it shakes out.”

That’s not exactly reassuring for a team trying to protect its quarterback.

But Bears offensive line coach Dan Roushar offered a more revealing — and arguably more surprising — take.

“It’s a Faceless, Nameless Guy Right Now”

Appearing on Terron Armstead’s podcast, Roushar didn’t sugarcoat the situation.

“It’s a faceless, nameless guy right now,” he said when asked who the next left tackle would be.

Translation: there is no clear answer.

Yet what came next turned heads.

Instead of pushing for a splashy free-agent addition or a first-round draft investment, Roushar hinted that the solution may already be in Halas Hall.

“Is that player in the building? I think there’s guys that have traits, but not consistent enough — not the way we want it done consistently.”

The primary internal candidates?
Theo Benedet and Kiran Amegadjie.

Neither has proven to be a locked-in starter.

But Roushar’s comments suggest the Bears may prioritize development over desperation.

The Draft Dilemma

Here’s where things get complicated.

Chicago holds the No. 25 pick in the first round — but the Bears have pressing defensive needs that may take priority.

Roushar acknowledged the reality bluntly.

“It takes probably draft capital or assets we currently don’t have.”

In other words: trading up for a premium tackle may not be realistic. And spending their top pick on offense could leave defensive holes unaddressed.

That leaves two likely paths:

Develop someone already on the roster
Explore free agency after March 9

And right now, Roushar sounds prepared to bet on internal growth.

Development Over Splash?

Roushar pointed to examples like Darnell Wright and Terron Armstead — tackles who weren’t instant superstars but developed into high-level players.

Elite tackles at the very top of Round 1 can arrive NFL-ready. But the Bears don’t appear positioned to land one of those prospects without major maneuvering.

“So it’s probably most likely either through free agency or it’s in the building,” Roushar said. “In my opinion, if it’s anywhere outside of here, it’s here.”

That statement is telling.

It suggests Chicago may not be chasing a blockbuster name — at least not initially.

Free Agency Wildcards

Of course, everything could change after the free agent negotiating period opens on March 9.

Cap restructuring could create flexibility.

Veteran tackles could be released for financial reasons. One intriguing name mentioned in speculation circles: Trent Williams, should the 49ers move on.

If a proven veteran suddenly becomes available, Chicago’s approach could pivot quickly.

But as of now?

The Bears seem prepared to work with what they have.

The Risk Factor

Betting on internal options at left tackle is a gamble — especially in a division stacked with elite pass rushers.

If Benedet or Amegadjie isn’t ready, the Bears’ quarterback could pay the price.

Yet Roushar’s confidence in development shouldn’t be ignored. He has earned respect for elevating offensive line play in Chicago, and his track record suggests he believes coaching can close the gap.

Still, fans expecting a flashy solution may need to recalibrate.

The Bears’ next left tackle might not be a headline name.

He might already be in the locker room.

And if he isn’t?

March 9 could change everything.