Rams called out to turn draft disappointment into unexpected lifeline

The Los Angeles Rams may have emerged from the 2025 NFL Draft with six rookies who are all expected to contribute this season. The thing is, several projected draft needs were not met by the selected rookies. The team was expected to address cornerback, quarterback, and offensive tackle positions during the draft, and failed to do so.

That can be remedied now, according to ESPN NFL analyst Bill Barnwell. In a recent article outlining last-minute trades for players on their teams’ roster bubbles, Barnwell proposes a potential deal between the Rams and the Chicago Bears that deserves some discussion.

In his proposed exchange, he proposes LA packages CB Derion Kendrick (who is likely to be released) and a Round 6 draft pick in the 2026 NFL draft in exchange for Chicago offensive tackle Braxton Jones. While the team is currently loaded with offensive linemen, none match the age and production of Jones. So why would the Bears entertain the loss of a potent blocker?

Why this trade makes sense for the Rams and the Bears

The Bears may be willing to move on from Jones, with the team now led by head coach Ben Johnson, who Barnwell notes isn’t particularly enamored with Jones as the blindside protector for QB Caleb Williams. Chicago also appears torn between starting Jones, second-round rookie Ozzy Trapilo, or 2024 undrafted rookie Theo Benedet.

For the Rams, the chance to flip a Round 6 pick and a defensive back who’s fallen out of favor for a starting-caliber offensive tackle feels like a no-brainer. While the roster may seem loaded with offensive tackle talent right now, none match Jones’ on-field production combined with his youth.

On paper, the trade passes the value-added litmus test for both teams. If the Bears are truly leaning away from starting Jones, they shed his salary and pick up a draft pick plus an NFL cornerback with starting potential. For the Rams, Jones is an immediate upgrade over David Quessenberry and DJ Humphries and helps reset the age at offensive tackle back to players in their prime.

Even now, the Rams have no assurances or guarantees that starting left tackle Alaric Jackson will be ready for Week 1. Jones may not know LA's offense yet, but once acquired, he’s a proven NFL starter who can hold down the fort until Jackson is cleared to resume his role.

Barnwell’s proposed trade makes even more sense now, considering the Rams just finalized a deal with the Cleveland Browns, sending KT Leveston to Cleveland for a 2028 seventh-round pick.

This trade proposal makes plenty of sense for both teams. The issue is that it’s hard to picture the front offices having the bandwidth to pull it off while juggling roster cuts and building a new practice squad. But if they can, it’s absolutely worth the effort. As always, thanks for reading.

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