NFL Free Agency: Is Trey Smith, a veteran offensive lineman, available to the Chicago Bears?

The Chicago Bears are currently in the midst of a rebuilding phase, focusing on providing young quarterback Justin Fields with the necessary support and resources to thrive. One of the biggest challenges for any team with a developing quarterback is ensuring that the offensive line is both stable and capable of protecting the quarterback in the pocket while creating running lanes for the backfield. In the past few seasons, the Bears’ offensive line has been one of their weaker points, often struggling with consistency and failing to provide Fields with the protection he needs.

With the 2024 NFL free agency period on the horizon, General Manager Ryan Poles will need to identify key players to address these gaps, particularly on the offensive line. One player that might be of interest to the Bears is Trey Smith, a veteran offensive lineman who has made his mark in the NFL over the past few years. The question remains: Is Trey Smith available to the Chicago Bears, and would he be a good fit for their offensive line moving forward?

This article will explore Trey Smith’s background, his current availability in the NFL, and whether the Chicago Bears should pursue him during free agency to strengthen their offensive line.

Section 1: Who is Trey Smith?

Background and College Career:

Trey Smith is a 6’6” 330-pound offensive guard who was highly regarded coming out of high school. He attended University of Tennessee, where he quickly became one of the most dominant forces in the Southeastern Conference (SEC). Known for his size, strength, and physicality, Smith was a standout at Tennessee, playing in 43 games over his four-year collegiate career. He was particularly known for his ability to maul defenders in the run game and his ability to protect the quarterback in pass protection.

Throughout his college career, Smith earned several accolades, including being named a First-Team All-SEC selection in his senior year. His combination of size, strength, and technique made him one of the most highly regarded offensive linemen in the 2021 NFL Draft class, though concerns over his medical history—specifically a diagnosis of blood clots in his lungs—led to some questions about his long-term durability.

NFL Career:

Despite concerns about his health, Smith was drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs in the 6th round of the 2021 NFL Draft, a steal considering his immense talent. The Chiefs clearly saw the potential in Smith as an interior offensive lineman and believed he could be a key piece of their offensive line moving forward.

In his first two seasons with the Chiefs, Smith has quickly proved his worth. He started in 31 games over two years, showing his ability to play at a high level and secure a starting spot on one of the NFL’s most potent offenses. Smith has primarily played at guard for Kansas City but has also shown the versatility to play multiple positions along the interior of the offensive line.

Smith’s physicality and ability to move defenders in the run game have been key factors in the Chiefs’ success on offense, and he has been an important part of their line that has helped pave the way for running backs like Clyde Edwards-Helaire and Isiah Pacheco. Additionally, his pass protection skills have been integral in keeping Patrick Mahomes upright during crucial moments, despite playing in an offensive line that underwent significant changes in recent seasons.

Section 2: Trey Smith’s Availability in Free Agency

As of the 2024 offseason, Trey Smith is still under contract with the Kansas City Chiefs. However, it is important to recognize that his contract situation may change in the near future, and there are several potential factors that could influence his availability in free agency.

Contract Status:

Trey Smith was drafted in the 6th round of the 2021 NFL Draft, meaning he is currently on a rookie contract with Kansas City. Rookie contracts are typically four-year deals with a team option for a fifth year, but in Smith’s case, the Chiefs have not yet exercised this option. Since the Chiefs drafted Smith later in the draft, his rookie contract has a relatively low base salary, making him a good value for Kansas City, especially given his high level of play.

In 2024, Smith will be entering his third year in the NFL. After his contract expires following the 2024 season, Smith would become a free agent, meaning he could potentially hit the open market in 2025. If the Chiefs do not make efforts to extend Smith or add a new contract during the 2024 season, he will become available to other teams, including the Chicago Bears.

If the Chiefs do decide to move on from Smith prior to the expiration of his contract (whether via trade or release), there is a real possibility that the Bears could pursue him during free agency. However, this scenario is less likely because Smith has been a key player in their offensive line, and the Chiefs are likely to want to retain him to continue protecting Patrick Mahomes and providing stability to their offensive line.

Will the Bears Be Interested?

The Bears are in a prime position to bolster their offensive line and bring in a player like Trey Smith who could start immediately and provide stability for their young quarterback, Justin Fields. With a growing need to protect Fields and create a solid foundation for their offense, the Bears will likely look to add interior linemen who can make an immediate impact.

Trey Smith fits that mold perfectly. He has the strength, physicality, and mentality that the Bears would covet in an offensive lineman. His experience playing alongside elite talents in Kansas City, particularly in the postseason, gives him invaluable big-game experience that could benefit the Bears as they look to build toward future playoff contention.

However, the Bears will not be alone in pursuing Trey Smith if he becomes available. With several other teams in need of offensive line help, including some with more established offensive systems, the Bears will have to be aggressive in their pursuit of Smith. The Bears’ salary cap situation in 2024 will also play a major role in their ability to sign a player like Smith. However, if they have the flexibility to make a move, it would make sense for them to do so.

Section 3: How Trey Smith Would Fit with the Chicago Bears

Assuming that Trey Smith becomes available either via trade or free agency, how would he fit within the context of the Chicago Bears?

Strengthening the Interior of the Offensive Line:

One of the Bears’ biggest needs in recent seasons has been on the interior of their offensive line. While the team has found some solid players at the tackle positions, they have struggled to find consistent play at guard and center. Cody Whitehair has been a mainstay at guard, but his play has been up and down, and the Bears have not found a reliable partner for him.

Trey Smith would be an immediate upgrade to the Bears’ interior offensive line. His ability to drive defenders off the ball and create running lanes would help complement Khalil Herbert and D’Onta Foreman, who are both capable backs but need improved blocking in order to excel. Furthermore, Smith’s pass protection would help provide Justin Fields with the time he needs to make plays in the pocket, especially in key moments when the Bears’ offense needs to execute.

Smith’s experience playing in an offensive system similar to the one the Bears are aiming to build—focusing on a strong run game and explosive plays off of play action—would also make him a natural fit for Matt Eberflus’ offense. Smith has shown that he can adapt to a variety of blocking schemes, and his versatility in that regard would make him an even more attractive addition.

Veteran Leadership:

Another key asset that Smith would bring to the Bears is his veteran leadership. While he is still early in his career, Smith has already shown maturity on and off the field, playing in significant games, including the playoffs. His experience with a team like the Chiefs, who have consistently contended for championships, would be valuable in setting a tone of professionalism and accountability within the Bears’ locker room.

As the Bears continue to develop their young core and build a culture of success, a player like Trey Smith could help lead by example, providing guidance to younger linemen and contributing to the overall team chemistry. His work ethic and attitude would align well with Eberflus’ principles of toughness and discipline.

Section 4: Conclusion – Should the Chicago Bears Pursue Trey Smith?

Trey Smith is a highly talented and versatile offensive lineman who would immediately help the Chicago Bears improve their offensive line. While his contract situation with the Kansas City Chiefs currently keeps him from being a free agent, the possibility of him hitting the market in 2025—or even becoming available sooner if the Chiefs move on from him—represents a potential opportunity for the Bears.

If Smith does become available, the Bears would be wise to pursue him. His combination of size, power, technique, and leadership would fill an immediate need on their offensive line, allowing them to continue their development around Justin Fields. The Bears must also consider their salary cap space and potential competition from other teams, but assuming they have the room, adding a player of Smith’s caliber would be a critical step toward building a successful future.