Bears Eyeing Kansas City’s Trey Smith to Fortify Offensive Line for Caleb Williams
Although NFL free agency is months away, speculation around potential moves is already heating up. Among the most intriguing teams entering the offseason are the Chicago Bears, who hold a league-high $83.2 million in cap space. After a rough 2024 campaign that saw rookie quarterback Caleb Williams endure an NFL-high 69 sacks, the Bears have made it clear that bolstering the offensive line will be a top priority.
One name that has already emerged as a potential target is Kansas City Chiefs standout guard Trey Smith. Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox recently ranked Smith as the No. 2 free agent of the upcoming class and named Chicago as one of his best fits.
“Smith should be a top target for the Bears, who have a need at right guard and $83.2 million in cap space,” Knox wrote. “Chicago’s offseason should focus on improving quarterback Caleb Williams’ supporting cast, and landing Smith would help achieve that.”
A Perfect Fit for the Bears
Trey Smith’s numbers speak for themselves. The Chiefs’ right guard played 1,115 snaps during the 2024 season, allowing zero sacks and just five quarterback hits. His durability was equally impressive, as he started all 17 games. Smith’s elite performance places him in exclusive company; the only offensive linemen to log over 1,000 snaps this season without surrendering a sack are Chiefs teammates Creed Humphrey and Joe Thuney.
This level of production is precisely what the Bears need. With uncertainty surrounding the future of Teven Jenkins and glaring issues across the line, adding a proven veteran like Smith would bring stability and leadership to a unit that struggled mightily in 2024.
The Cost of Securing Smith
Smith, a sixth-round steal from the 2021 draft, has been a cornerstone of Kansas City’s offensive success. However, his remarkable consistency and durability mean the Bears will need to make a substantial financial commitment to lure him away. Given Chicago’s ample cap space and the importance of protecting their franchise quarterback, this would be a wise investment.
Building Around Caleb Williams
Chicago’s front office has one goal this offseason: build a competitive roster around Caleb Williams. While improving the offensive line will require multiple moves, adding Trey Smith would be a significant first step in ensuring Williams can develop without constant pressure.
With free agency and the 2025 NFL Draft looming, the Bears are in a prime position to reshape their roster. Pursuing Trey Smith could be the first domino to fall in what promises to be a transformative offseason for a franchise desperate to return to relevance.
