Trey Smith and the Bears’ free agency pace is slowed by a report.

Trey Smith and the Bears’ Free Agency Pace Is Slowed by a Report

The Chicago Bears have long been in a rebuilding phase, looking to bolster their roster with the right blend of young talent and experienced players who can contribute to both the present and future of the franchise. Heading into the 2025 NFL offseason, the team had high hopes for adding key pieces to their roster, especially after a number of strong draft selections and trade acquisitions. One player who has been heavily discussed as a potential target for the Bears in free agency is Trey Smith, the standout guard for the Kansas City Chiefs. However, a recent report has put a significant roadblock in the Bears’ pursuit of the Pro Bowl-caliber lineman, and as a result, the pace of their free agency plans has slowed down.

In this article, we will explore the situation surrounding Trey Smith, the report that has altered the Bears’ free agency trajectory, and the potential impact this will have on the team’s ability to address their needs during the offseason. By breaking down the implications of this report, we will better understand how it affects the Bears’ overall strategy and what it means for their approach to free agency.

Who Is Trey Smith?

Before diving into the specifics of the report, it’s important to understand who Trey Smith is and why he has been such a focal point for Bears fans and analysts alike.

Trey Smith is a 6-foot-6, 330-pound offensive guard who was drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs in the sixth round of the 2021 NFL Draft. Despite being selected late, Smith quickly proved his worth by becoming a key piece of the Chiefs’ offensive line. His ability to both protect the quarterback and open up running lanes for the offense made him one of the most reliable interior linemen in the league. In his first three seasons with the Chiefs, Smith was a regular starter, playing an important role in their offensive success, which included winning Super Bowl LVII.

Smith’s blend of size, strength, and technique has made him one of the top young guards in the NFL, and he quickly became an attractive target for teams looking to shore up their offensive line. The Chicago Bears, a team in need of stability and strength along their offensive front, have had their eye on Smith as a potential free-agent acquisition to solidify their interior line. The move made sense on paper, as Smith would immediately provide a boost to the Bears’ offensive line, particularly in helping protect their franchise quarterback, Caleb Williams.

The Bears’ Offensive Line Needs

The Bears’ offensive line has been a topic of concern for several years now. While there have been moments of solid play from key players, the overall unit has been inconsistent. This inconsistency has put a significant amount of pressure on the quarterbacks, whether it be the now-departed Justin Fields or the newly drafted Caleb Williams. In 2024, the Bears attempted to address this issue by drafting and signing a few players to strengthen the line, but the unit as a whole still had a long way to go in terms of performance.

Trey Smith represented an ideal solution to the Bears’ offensive line woes. As a strong and skilled interior lineman, Smith would have provided the Bears with a reliable starter who could help anchor the line for years to come. Smith’s ability to open running lanes and protect the quarterback would have made a tangible difference, especially as the Bears look to develop Williams into their next great franchise QB.

However, recent reports have raised some doubts about whether the Bears can secure Smith’s services this offseason. The reasons behind this shift in the Bears’ plans are outlined below.

The Report That Has Slowed the Bears’ Free Agency Plans

As the 2025 NFL offseason began, the Bears had been expected to be aggressive in free agency. With plenty of salary cap space and several key needs to address, Chicago was seen as one of the more active teams in free agency. However, a recent report has caused the pace of their free-agent acquisitions, particularly in the offensive line, to slow down.

The report, which surfaced during early February, indicated that Trey Smith’s current situation with the Kansas City Chiefs was much more complex than originally anticipated. Sources close to the situation revealed that while Smith was open to exploring the market in free agency, there were internal discussions about restructuring his contract in Kansas City to keep him with the Chiefs for the long term. It was also suggested that the Chiefs were planning to franchise tag Smith in an effort to prevent him from hitting the open market. This news came as a major shock to the Bears’ front office, who had been counting on the possibility of signing Smith to a lucrative deal in free agency.

Additionally, the report highlighted that Smith’s agents were looking for a significant payday and that any potential suitors would need to be prepared to offer a top-tier contract in order to land the guard. This created a situation where the Bears, despite their ample cap space, might be priced out of the market for Smith if other teams, particularly contenders with more immediate playoff aspirations, pushed hard to sign him.

Why This Slows the Bears’ Free Agency Pace

The news of Smith potentially staying with the Chiefs or being tagged by the team has slowed down the Bears’ free agency efforts for several reasons. First and foremost, the Bears had earmarked a large portion of their available cap space to secure Smith’s services. Now, with the possibility of Smith either being retained by the Chiefs or receiving a franchise tag, the Bears must pivot and reconsider their plans for upgrading the offensive line.

Free agency is often about identifying key players who can fill specific needs on the roster, but with Smith potentially off the market, the Bears are left scrambling to identify other options. The delay in securing an upgrade along the offensive line forces the Bears to reassess their priorities for the 2025 offseason. The team could be forced to shift focus to other positions, such as defensive line, wide receiver, or even adding more depth to the secondary, depending on how things unfold.

Other Offensive Line Targets for the Bears

With Trey Smith potentially out of reach, the Bears will likely have to explore other options in free agency to strengthen their offensive line. While Smith was seen as a top target, several other quality players may still be available. Some potential alternatives include:

• Ben Powers (OG, Baltimore Ravens): Powers has been a steady presence on the Ravens’ offensive line for several seasons. With his solid play and ability to protect the quarterback, he could be a valuable addition to the Bears’ line.
• Isaiah Wynn (OT, New England Patriots): If the Bears decide to target a tackle instead of a guard, Wynn could be an interesting option. The versatile lineman would help address their depth issues at tackle and provide another capable player on the front line.
• Connor McGovern (C, Buffalo Bills): If the Bears decide to target a center to further shore up their offensive line, McGovern could be a strong option. He has experience in the league and could provide stability at the position.
• Mike McGlinchey (OT, San Francisco 49ers): As one of the top offensive tackles available in free agency, McGlinchey could help solidify the Bears’ tackle spots and provide protection for their young quarterback, Caleb Williams.

Even with these options available, the Bears will have to decide if pursuing a different offensive lineman is worth the cost, or if they need to focus on other areas of their roster to round out their squad.

Impact on the Bears’ Long-Term Plan

The potential loss of Trey Smith in free agency is not just an immediate setback for the Bears’ 2025 season, but it could also have long-term implications. The Bears have made it clear that they are committed to building a competitive team around their young quarterback, Caleb Williams, and the offensive line is a crucial part of that vision. If Smith isn’t available, the Bears could be forced to pursue less ideal options, which could delay the development of their offense.

Moreover, the Bears’ front office must be careful about overcommitting to free-agent contracts. While they have the cap space to make a splash in free agency, they must ensure that they aren’t spending too much on one player or position, especially if that player doesn’t significantly improve the team’s chances of competing for a playoff spot in 2025.