The Chicago Bears were likely going to break the bank for only one name in free agency. Unfortunately, that name is no longer available. Former Pro Bowl right guard Trey Smith was franchise-tagged by the Kansas City Chiefs on Thursday. That means he is staying with the team for at least one more year, though most experts believe this is a move meant to buy time until the two sides hammer out an extension. Either way, the Bears are out of luck. That means GM Ryan Poles must shift to other possibilities as the market draws closer to opening.
It will be a challenge. Finding high-quality starters on the veteran market is tricky. Everybody remembers the Nate Davis debacle. Poles must be careful about who he targets, which is why he is likely reluctant to fork out big money. Adam Hoge of CHGO had feelers out at the scouting combine to see which way, if any, the Bears might be leaning. He came away with two notable names to watch: center Drew Dalman and right guard Kevin Zeitler.
Ryan Poles is likely leaning on Ben Johnson here.
Zeitler is a longtime veteran guard who has put together a terrific career. He was a key part of the Detroit Lions' offensive line, which made the team a massive success over the past two years. Johnson knows him well. Though 35 years old, his recent play suggests he should have at least one or two more good years left in him. He would make a solid bridge option for the Bears until they can find somebody younger. Dalman, meanwhile, is widely viewed as the best center option available. He's 26, a high-end run blocker, and has steadily improved in pass protection during his stint with Atlanta.
Adding both men won't increase the star power on the Bears' offensive line, but it would definitely bring more stability. That is what Ryan Poles and the coaching staff should be shooting for. Getting the pass protection in front of Caleb Williams settled down is the first priority. Adding Dalman and Zeitler would be a crucial first step. They could then add a high draft choice in April to bring it all together. It's not a flashy plan. Still, it feels like a good one.
