The Chicago Bears will have the ability to throw their weight around in 2025 NFL free agency with roughly $63 million in projected cap space.
Under the direction of new head coach Ben Johnson, the expectation is the Bears will rebuild their offense from scratch around quarterback Caleb Williams and acquire new pieces that can help fulfill their vision.
And after a 2024 season in which Williams took an NFL-most 68 sacks, the interior of their offensive line should be a top priority for Chicago.
No surprise, then, that ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler has heard from sources around the league that believe the Bears are the team to watch to potentially sign Kansas City Chiefs Pro Bowl right guard Trey Smith.
Kansas City Chiefs guard Trey Smith (65) walks with linebacker Willie Gay (50).
Troy Taormina/Imagn Images
“Some inside the league are watching Chicago here,” Fowler wrote Wednesday about Smith, his No. 2 free agent in his recent rankings.
“General manager Ryan Poles, who needs to drastically improve his interior offensive line for new coach Ben Johnson, was in Kansas City when the Chiefs drafted Smith. Several teams have him as the top overall free agent.”
Smith had a phenomenal season with the Chiefs in 2024, surrendering zero sacks on 708 pass-blocking snaps protecting quarterback Patrick Mahomes. He also excelled as a run-blocker, earning the 10th-best grade (80.8) among all NFL guards from Pro Football Focus.
For his efforts, Smith made the Pro Bowl for the first time in his career.
Trey Smith made the AFC’s Pro Bowl roster for the first time in 2024.
Mark J. Rebilas/Imagn Images
He also gave himself a good chance to reset the NFL guard market.
Atlanta’s Chris Lindstrom and Carolina’s Robert Hunt are the only two guards making at least $20 million annually on their current contracts, but Smith could surpass them when he signs his next deal this spring.
While the Bears can afford the price tag, though, they will need to feel certain that he can become a foundational part of their offensive line before they are willing to spend the big bucks on him in free agency.
