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Bears Should Be All in on Signing Chiefs Superstar

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Trey Smith

It’s painfully clear that the Chicago Bears need a complete overhaul on the offensive line aside from Darnell Wright. The Bears finally have their franchise quarterback, now it’s time to invest a hefty amount of cap space on the offensive line. Among the upcoming free agents, Kansas City Chiefs right guard Trey Smith stands out as not only the best offensive lineman available but arguably the top free agent overall. If Ryan Poles wants a chance at saving his job, signing Smith should be his top priority.

Bears Should Be All in on Signing Chiefs Superstar

Ryan Poles’ previous tenure with the Chiefs could work to his advantage in pursuing Smith. If he can leverage those connections, bringing Smith to Chicago might not be as difficult as it seems. A recent Bleacher Report article highlighted each team’s biggest weakness and the best way to address it, citing the Bears need at right guard. Signing Smith is an obvious move, and Bleacher Report predicts he’ll command a record-breaking contract as the NFL’s highest-paid guard.

“The Bears obviously hope that Williams can be their long-term answer at quarterback. For the USC product to have long-term success, though, Chicago must protect him with a better overall blocking unit.

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 will undoubtedly command a heft contract on the open market—if the Chiefs even allow him to get there—but at 25 years old, he has the potential to be a franchise building block.”

Chiefs Dilemma Creates Golden Opportunity for the Bears

The Chiefs’ financial situation complicates their ability to retain Trey Smith. With around $21 million in cap space and other key players like Nick Bolton, Derrick Nnadi, Marquise Brown, Charles Omenihu, Justin Reid, and DeAndre Hopkins also set to hit free agency, Kansas City may struggle to match a lucrative offer from a team like Chicago, which will have approximately $82 million in cap space.

Here’s one way of thinking about it; Ryan Poles missed badly on the Nate Davis signing, so now it’s time to break the bank for a proven guard who has Super Bowl experience. The current benchmark for top guards is $20.5 million annually (Falcons right guard Chris Lindstrom) and $21 million annually (Eagles left guard Landon Dickerson). So, a four-year, $90 million deal for Smith, averaging $22.5 million annually, would make him the highest-paid guard in NFL history—a win-win for both sides.

Impact of Signing Trey Smith

What makes Trey Smith such a compelling target? His elite run-blocking skills and durability. Since entering the league in 2021, he’s missed only one game and has consistently ranked among the top run-blocking guards, currently 12th according to PFF. Bears fans have every reason to be excited:

  • 901 offensive snaps played (2nd among guards)
  • 0 sacks allowed (1st)
  • 76.7 PFF grade (14th)

For a team plagued by instability on the offensive line, Smith’s presence would do wonders for the team offensively. If the Chiefs can’t re-sign Smith, look for the Bears to be his top suitor.

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Read More: Bears Should Replicate Chiefs’ Blueprint for Success Up Front

Main Image: Daniel Bartel – USA Today Sports

The post Bears Should Be All in on Signing Chiefs Superstar appeared first on Last Word on Pro Football.