When the Chicago Bears entered the season, few could have predicted that offensive lineman Theo Benedet would become one of the most intriguing storylines along the team’s front five.
But just a few weeks into the 2025 campaign, the former undrafted free agent has gone from a developmental prospect to a starting tackle, and one the Bears coaching staff clearly trusts on both sides of the line.
Theo Benedet’s Rise from an Unknown to a Starter
Benedet’s breakout moment came in Week 4’s 25-24 win over the Las Vegas Raiders, when starting right tackle Darnell Wright exited with an elbow injury. Having previously played a series against the Dallas Cowboys, this time, Benedet was now tasked with stopping Maxx Crosby from wreaking more havoc in the backfield. His quick feet and ability to mirror defenders stood out, particularly against Crosby and the Raiders’ pass rush.
But what made Benedet’s performance even more notable was his adaptability. When the team decided to bench left tackle Braxton Jones, the Bears opted to move Benedet to left tackle and insert second-round pick Ozzy Trapilo at right tackle.
Benedet handled it like a seasoned pro, and the Bears now plan to start him at left tackle in Week 6’s highly anticipated matchup against the Washington Commanders.
“Really the whole time we’ve been here—OTAs and training camp—[Benedet] has done a good job in the position meeting room,” offensive coordinator Declan Doyle said. “You’ve just kind of seen him grow. [Coaches] Kyle [DeVan] and Dan [Roushar] have done a great job of training our guys, cross-training him, putting him in different positions. The versatility there, I really like about him. And the way he’s able to move, he’s a player that’s ascending and will continue to grow.”
That versatility has now earned Benedet a starting spot, which signals the coaching staff’s confidence not only in his physical ability but in his grasp of the offense and mental approach, two qualities that are quickly making him a vital chess piece in Chicago’s offensive identity.
From a Long Shot to Make the Roster to a Vital Chess Piece
GettyChicago Bears offensive lineman Theo Benedet celebrating with head coach Ben Johnson.
While Benedet’s emergence may feel sudden to fans, those inside Halas Hall have seen his growth coming for months.
The Canadian Eagle battled for the starting left tackle job and a spot on the 53-man roster during training camp, and though the coaching staff ultimately went with the incumbent starter to open the season, Benedet left a strong impression with his competitiveness and work ethic.
“He’s competitive, and it probably wasn’t consistent enough at that point in time as far as what we were expecting from him,” Doyle explained. “Even since then, he’s continued to progress and get better. But it wasn’t like he went out there and it [was] too big for him in any way. His mentality and how he approaches the game, it’s been consistent since we’ve been here.”
For a franchise that has struggled to find stability on the offensive line, Benedet’s development offers real promise. Chicago has invested heavily in reshaping its offensive line, and if Benedet continues on his current trajectory, the Bears could find unexpected value at one of the most important positions on offense.
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