The Chicago Bears’ pursuit of Pro Bowl guard Trey Smith is set to start a four-alarm free agency fire.
The Chicago Bears’ Pursuit of Pro Bowl Guard Trey Smith: A Four-Alarm Free Agency Fire
As the 2025 NFL offseason quickly approaches, the Chicago Bears are gearing up to make a splash in free agency, with one key target set to spark what could be a significant and transformative move for the franchise. Pro Bowl guard Trey Smith, the standout offensive lineman for the Kansas City Chiefs, is reportedly at the top of the Bears’ wish list, and their pursuit of him is shaping up to be one of the most important storylines of this free agency period.
This move represents not just a player acquisition, but a potential shift in the very direction of the Bears’ future, particularly as they look to build a formidable roster around their presumed new franchise quarterback, Caleb Williams. Trey Smith’s potential signing could signal a renewed focus on the trenches, bolstering the offensive line and adding a force to protect the team’s most valuable asset: the quarterback.
With the Bears already in the midst of a long-term rebuild under head coach Ben Johnson, the pursuit of Trey Smith is shaping up to be a “four-alarm free agency fire,” meaning it’s poised to set the Bears’ offseason ablaze with excitement, expectation, and high-stakes decisions that will impact the team for years to come.
Trey Smith: A Dominant Force on the Offensive Line
Before diving into how the Bears’ pursuit of Trey Smith could impact their roster, it’s crucial to understand why Smith is such a coveted player. A product of the University of Tennessee, Trey Smith entered the NFL as a sixth-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. However, despite his relatively low draft status, Smith quickly emerged as one of the best young guards in the league. His quick ascent to Pro Bowl-level performance is a testament to his raw talent, discipline, and ability to excel in the high-pressure environment of the NFL.
Standing at 6-foot-6 and weighing 330 pounds, Smith possesses an ideal combination of size, strength, and mobility. As a road-grading offensive lineman, he’s known for his tenacity in both the running and passing games, making him a versatile and well-rounded player. His ability to consistently win at the point of attack has earned him the reputation of being one of the most dominant interior linemen in the NFL, and it’s easy to see why the Bears would be eager to add him to their roster.
Smith has played his entire professional career with the Kansas City Chiefs, anchoring one of the most dynamic offenses in the NFL. His time playing alongside Patrick Mahomes, one of the league’s elite quarterbacks, has given him ample experience in both protecting the passer and creating lanes for running backs. With the Chiefs, he was instrumental in their offensive success, helping lead them to a Super Bowl victory and consistently ranking among the league’s best in pass-blocking and run-blocking efficiency.
The fact that Smith has already earned Pro Bowl honors, while still being in the early stages of his career, further emphasizes his elite status. For a team like the Bears, who have struggled with offensive line play for years, acquiring a player of Smith’s caliber could have an immediate impact.
The Bears’ Ongoing Offensive Line Struggles
The Chicago Bears’ offensive line has been a longstanding weakness, often serving as a major hindrance to the team’s offensive success. In recent years, the Bears have repeatedly struggled to protect their quarterbacks, resulting in high sack totals and inconsistent play in both the passing and running games. Whether it was Mitch Trubisky, Andy Dalton, or Justin Fields, the lack of consistent protection in the pocket has been a constant issue.
As the Bears enter the 2025 offseason, addressing the offensive line has become one of the most pressing issues for the franchise. With a top quarterback prospect like Caleb Williams on the horizon, the Bears can’t afford to waste a golden opportunity to build around him. The team needs to prioritize giving their quarterback the necessary time and space to operate in the pocket, and this starts with improving the offensive line.
While the Bears have made some improvements in recent years with additions like rookie tackle Darnell Wright, the offensive line as a whole remains a work in progress. Bringing in a player like Trey Smith would immediately elevate the group and provide a major boost in both the pass-blocking and run-blocking departments. Smith’s ability to consistently create holes in the run game would be a huge asset for the Bears, who have been inconsistent in their ability to establish the ground game in recent seasons.
In short, the pursuit of Smith is the Bears’ way of addressing one of their most significant weaknesses in a bold and immediate way. If they can land him, they’ll not only be adding a Pro Bowl-caliber player but also sending a clear message to the league that they are committed to building a foundation of success around their future quarterback.
The Free Agency Fire: The Stakes of the Trey Smith Pursuit
The pursuit of Trey Smith is set to be one of the most talked-about free agency storylines for the Bears in 2025, and for good reason. The decision to target a high-profile, young interior lineman like Smith signals that the Bears are serious about making quick strides toward contention. Here’s a breakdown of the major stakes involved in this pursuit:
1. Protecting Caleb Williams’ Future
The Chicago Bears are positioning themselves to select Caleb Williams, the star quarterback from USC, with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. With a prospect like Williams—who is widely regarded as one of the most talented quarterbacks to enter the league in years—the Bears can’t afford to jeopardize his future by failing to protect him from a porous offensive line.
As the centerpiece of the Bears’ rebuild, Williams’ success will largely depend on how well the team can provide him with the resources to thrive. Trey Smith is an integral part of this effort. By adding a Pro Bowl-caliber guard to the offensive line, the Bears would immediately give their new quarterback more stability in the pocket, allowing him to develop and execute his skills without the constant pressure of a collapsing line. Smith would be a key asset in protecting Williams’ blindside and giving him the time he needs to make plays.
2. Establishing a Balanced Offense
In addition to his pass-blocking prowess, Smith is also a dominant force in the running game. The Bears have long struggled with consistency in their rushing attack, particularly with their ground-and-pound approach under head coach Matt Eberflus. By adding Smith to the mix, the Bears would gain an elite run-blocker capable of creating massive holes for their running backs.
This would be a crucial boost to the team’s offensive balance, providing them with the ability to not only protect their quarterback but also to establish an effective ground game. The Bears have a solid running back committee, with players like Khalil Herbert and a promising rookie possibly coming in 2025, and Trey Smith could be the player that opens up lanes for them to maximize their potential. This balanced attack would make the Bears’ offense much more difficult to defend, especially with a young quarterback like Williams at the helm.
3. Building a Competitive Culture
For the Bears to succeed in the long term, they need to create a competitive culture that attracts both talent and results. Adding a Pro Bowl player like Trey Smith is not only a tactical move but also a statement to the rest of the league that the Bears are committed to competing at a high level. Bringing in a player of Smith’s caliber could spark further interest from other free agents, who would see Chicago as a destination where they can contend for championships.
In an increasingly competitive NFC North, the Bears must take advantage of any opportunity to gain an edge over divisional rivals like the Green Bay Packers and Minnesota Vikings. The pursuit of Smith is a clear sign that the Bears are ready to compete for the top spot in the division sooner rather than later.
4. The Potential for a Bidding War
As with any high-profile free agent, Trey Smith’s value will undoubtedly attract attention from other NFL teams. With numerous franchises looking to bolster their offensive lines in the 2025 offseason, the Bears will have to fight for Smith’s services against other suitors. The competition for his signature could quickly escalate into a bidding war, driving up his market value.
For the Bears, this adds a layer of urgency to the pursuit. They will need to manage their salary cap effectively to ensure they can offer Smith a competitive contract while balancing other team needs. If they are unable to land Smith, it could represent a missed opportunity that could set their offensive line rebuild back by several years.
