Ben Johnson was the dream for head coach. What would be the next dream scenario for the Bears?
In what many hoped for but few expected, the Chicago Bears landed the top available coach of this cycle in Ben Johnson. A dream scenario for The Beloved.
Got our guy. pic.twitter.com/4oRSMDvDpS
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) January 21, 2025
But now what?
Assuming Coach Johnson is able to lure in each of the coaches he wants (looking at you Hank Fraley), my attention shifts back to the roster. Here’s a look at some important dates this offseason:
- Jan. 30: East-West Shrine Bowl
- Feb. 1: Senior Bowl
- Feb. 18: First day for clubs to designate Franchise or Transition Players.
- Feb. 24-Mar. 3: Scouting Combine
- Mar. 4: Deadline for clubs to designate Franchise or Transition Players.
- Mar. 10-12: Legal tampering window
- Mar. 12: Free agency begins
- Mar. 30-Apr. 2: Annual League Meeting
- Apr. 7: Offseason workout program begins for teams with new head coaches
- Apr. 24-26: 2025 NFL Draft
I personally do not believe any player will be worth tagging this year, with the possible exception of Teven Jenkins. I could see a Tag applied to see if he can stay healthy and help stabilize the OL, but I am ready to move on from #76 as he simply has not been available enough.
That brings me to Free Agency. And let’s be clear about something right off the bat. Landing Ben Johnson and having Caleb Williams will undoubtedly make us more appealing to potential Free Agents than we have been in quite some time, possibly ever.
Between now and March 12th, when FA officially kicks off, we will have plenty of time to add players to our wish list and debate which ones we should sign. But in the “dreaming spirit,” considering we just landed our dream candidate for head coach, who would be your “dream scenario” FA acquisition?
Mine is easy: Trey Smith, RG for the Kansas City Chiefs.
Photo by Nick Cammett/Diamond Images via Getty Images
A 2024 Pro Bowler and still only 25 years old, the 6’6”, 320+ lineman would immediately step in and turn our weakest position on the OL (RG) into a strength. He has the size, strength and athleticism to thrive in any scheme and would be a perfect first chess piece to Ben Johnson’s offense.
But will he be available?
While many, me included, have doubted whether or not Trey Smith will reach FA, Field Yates gave the Bears’ fanbase a glimmer of hope Tuesday, saying he believes KC will not try to re-sign Smith and that he predicts the former Tennessee Volunteer will hit the market.
Field Yates via CHGO Bears Podcast says he expects Chiefs RG Trey Smith to hit free agency and for KC not to franchise tag him. pic.twitter.com/kkBVVmLeYO
— Alex Insdorf (@alexinsdorf99) January 21, 2025
Though Kevin Zeitler has played for Ben Johnson before, and Ryan Kelly or Drew Dalman play arguably a more needed position (Center), Trey Smith is the Belle of the Ball in FA, much like Ben Johnson was as a coach. Let’s keep this dream off-season going, shall we?