The NFL season has reached that point where the trade deadline is a distant memory, and some teams—likely including the Bears—are shifting their focus to the future. With their current season all but over, the Bears are probably setting their sights on the NFL Draft and free agency.
Juan Soto's Free Agency & MLB Award Finalists Analysis 2024
Recently, Matt Holder from Bleacher Report predicted that the Bears would prioritize bolstering their offensive line to protect Caleb Williams this offseason. Holder identified Kansas City Chiefs star right guard Trey Smith as the ideal free-agent target for Chicago this spring. Here’s what he had to say:
“Kansas City Chiefs guard Trey Smith—the second-ranked player on B/R’s early 2025 free-agent board—should be high atop Chicago’s wish list. He’s an above-average pass protector and a legitimate catalyst in the running game.”
Smith has played 687 snaps at right guard this season without allowing a single sack, making him easily one of the best guards in the entire league.
The Bears will be calculated in free agency.
Ryan Poles plans to take a careful approach in finding a replacement for Nate Davis. On Sunday morning, he mentioned that the team will reevaluate their free agency strategy after missing on Davis. While the Bears are projected to have top-5 cap space according to Spotrac, it’s possible they’ll prioritize building their offensive line through the draft.
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However, it seems likely the Bears will use a combination of free agency and the draft to strengthen the line for their young quarterback. A balanced mix of experienced veterans and talented rookies on the offensive line would be a smart approach. Depth is another key area they are need to address.
Trey Smith won’t be cheap.
If Poles makes Trey Smith a priority, it would be a major boost for the team. That said, Smith’s projected four-year, $74 million contract (as estimated by Spotrac) would be a big time move by the Bears. But this might give the Bears an edge over the Chiefs—who are facing cap issues.
