Theo Benedet, an undrafted Canadian lineman, has become a surprising contender for the starting left tackle position with the Chicago Bears during their 2024 training camp. Despite lacking a conventional <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/football/nfl/”>NFL background, Benedet’s performance has drawn the interest of coaches and analysts as the Bears prepare for the upcoming season.
Competition Heats Up for Starting Left Tackle Spot
Benedet is competing against returning starter Braxton Jones, second-round pick Ozzy Trapilo, and second-year player Kiran Amegadjie for the spot protecting quarterback Caleb Williams’s blind side. Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson acknowledged the ongoing battle, saying,
“He’s right in the middle of (the competition).”
Johnson also pointed out,
“He was probably overlooked to start this competition, but the longer this thing’s gone on, there’s a strong argument for what he’s put on tape.”
During a recent joint practice with the Buffalo Bills, Benedet received the majority of first-team reps, suggesting the coaching staff’s growing confidence in his potential. The teams are scheduled to meet in a pre-season game in Chicago shortly, where Benedet’s progress may be further assessed.
Coaching Staff Seeks Consistency Amid Offensive Line Challenges
Coach Johnson emphasized the difficulty of solidifying the position, explaining,
“This is not going to be a revolving door. We want one guy to clearly come out and say this is his job. We haven’t gotten that yet from our crew.”
He further noted the realities of the NFL season,
“I’d love to have five guys start on the offensive line for all 17-plus games, but that’s just not reality. We are going to have a lot of guys cycling through … If one guy is not performing up to snuff, then we will find someone else who can.”
Background of Theo Benedet and His Journey to the NFL
The 23-year-old offensive lineman hails from Vancouver and played college football with the UBC Thunderbirds in Canada. Benedet entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent, signing with the Bears in spring 2024. His contract reportedly included $80,000 in guaranteed money and a $20,000 signing bonus. After being waived following the preseason, he joined the Bears’ practice squad and remained there throughout the year before securing a reserves/futures deal post-2024 season.
At 6-foot-7 and 305 pounds, Benedet earned two consecutive J.P. Metras Trophies as the top lineman in Canadian university football. He was invited to the prestigious East-West Shrine Bowl in 2022 but opted to return to school and helped UBC reach the Vanier Cup final in 2023. In the Canadian Football League, Benedet was selected by his hometown B.C. Lions in the second round of the 2024 draft.
Bears’ Offseason Investments Highlight Importance of Offensive Line
Chicago’s offensive line has seen significant reinforcements ahead of the season, including veteran acquisitions Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson—traded from the Kansas City Chiefs and Los Angeles Rams respectively—and the signing of former Atlanta Falcons center Drew Dalman. These moves underscore the team’s desire to protect Caleb Williams, the 2024 first-overall draft pick quarterback, by building a stronger and more dependable line.
Implications for the Bears’ Offensive Line Moving Forward
The contest for left tackle remains unresolved but crucial as the Bears aim to improve a unit that has struggled with injuries and consistency. Benedet’s emergence is notable not only for his unlikely path into the NFL but also for the potential stability he could provide. If he continues to impress, the Bears may entrust him with the key role of shielding their prized young quarterback, influencing the team’s offensive effectiveness throughout the season.