Packers Offensive Tackle Rasheed Walker Targeted by Bears in Free Agency

Bears look to replace injured left tackle Ozzy Trapilo with Packers veteran

Feb. 11, 2026 at 9:55pm

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The Chicago Bears are reportedly considering signing Green Bay Packers offensive tackle Rasheed Walker in free agency to replace the injured Ozzy Trapilo, who suffered a serious knee injury late last season. Walker, a seventh-round pick in 2022, has started 48 games for the Packers and could provide valuable experience and familiarity with Bears star pass rusher Micah Parsons, his former college teammate.

Why it matters

The Bears' offensive line was a strength in 2025, but Trapilo's injury creates a significant hole at left tackle that could hamper their offense if not addressed properly in the offseason. Signing the experienced Walker would provide stability, while drafting a left tackle is also an option the Bears are considering with the 25th overall pick.

The details

Trapilo, a 2025 rookie, performed well enough to potentially be the long-term answer at left tackle before suffering a ruptured patellar tendon injury in the Bears' wild-card round playoff loss. With his recovery timeline uncertain, the Bears are exploring options to replace him, including potentially signing the 48-game starter Walker from their NFC North rival Packers.

  • In January 2026, Ozzy Trapilo suffered a serious knee injury that could keep him out at the start of the 2026 season.
  • On February 12, 2026, reports surfaced that the Bears are considering signing Packers offensive tackle Rasheed Walker in free agency.

The players

Ozzy Trapilo

A 2025 rookie left tackle for the Chicago Bears who suffered a ruptured patellar tendon injury in the playoffs, putting his 2026 availability in question.

Rasheed Walker

A seventh-round draft pick of the Green Bay Packers in 2022 who has started 48 games at offensive tackle over the past four seasons.

Micah Parsons

The star defensive end for the Chicago Bears who played with Rasheed Walker at Penn State.

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What they’re saying

“It's pretty complicated. Do you re-sign Braxton Jones? Do you make a run at someone like Rasheed Walker in free agency? The unfortunate thing is that Ozzy Trapilo should be the easy answer to the question.”

— Albert Breer, Sports Illustrated reporter (chicitysports.com)

What’s next

The Bears will need to decide in the coming weeks whether to re-sign their own left tackle Braxton Jones or pursue the veteran Rasheed Walker in free agency to replace the injured Ozzy Trapilo.

The takeaway

The Bears' offensive line was a strength in 2025, but Trapilo's injury creates a significant hole at left tackle that the team must address this offseason, either through free agency by signing the experienced Packers tackle Rasheed Walker or by drafting a left tackle with their first-round pick.