On Thursday, the Chicago Bears re-signed offensive lineman Theo Benedet to a one-year, $1 million deal. The Athletic’s Kevin Fishbain
was the first to report.Benedet, an exclusive-rights free agent, was originally an undrafted free agent by the Bears in 2024 after playing at the University of British Columbia. He was also a second-round pick by the B.C. Lions of the Canadian Football League.
He spent 2024 on Chicago’s practice squad, but was thrust into the left tackle competition after a solid 2025
offseason. He ended up appearing in 16 games, with 8 starts (7 at left tackle and 1 at right tackle), but he also played some OL6 as a jumbo tight end and even had some reps at wide receiver.
A quad injury in November opened the door for rookie Ozzy Trapilo to play left tackle, and he remained the starter even when Benedet returned.
However, a patellar tendon injury now has Ozzy’s 2026 season in doubt, which may open the door for Benedet this offseason.
Regardless of whether Benedet is given the shot at left tackle or not, the Bears bring back a promising member of their offensive line to continue development.
