The scouting combine is up next for the Chicago Bears at the end of this month. That is where GM Ryan Poles will get a look at most of the best prospects in the upcoming draft while also getting a feel for the trade landscape. That is where he forged the deal that eventually landed D.J. Moore and Caleb Williams. After that, preparations will shift towards March 12th. That is when the new league year opens and NFL free agency officially begins. Everyone expects the Bears to be active, with one player being their priority: Kansas City Chiefs guard Trey Smith.
The former 6th round pick has developed into a Pro Bowler since arriving in 2021. He has helped the Chiefs win two of the last three Super Bowls. Most agree he is the best offensive lineman set to hit the market, and it's at a position where the Bears desperately need help. The problem is other teams will want him too. There is a chance Chicago may not land their fish. According to Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune, they may have an alternative option in mind if that happens.
It’s difficult to forecast how the puzzle will be put together. We’re a month away from the start of free agency. I could envision a scenario in which the Bears sign two offensive linemen in free agency and add one with a premium draft pick — one of their first two selections. They also could double down on offensive linemen by taking two in their first three picks and signing two veterans in free agency.
If Smith doesn’t reach free agency or the Bears don’t land him, there’s a long list of experienced guards they could consider. Brandon Scherff, 33, is probably older than they would want to consider, at least as a Plan B.
Scherff would at least buy the Bears time if Trey Smith falls through.
The former 1st round pick has carved out an excellent career with the Washington Redskins and Jacksonville Jaguars. Though on the older side in his mid-30s, there were no signs this past season that he's suddenly lost his ability as a blocker. He allowed just 17 pressures on over 600 pass-blocking snaps. He'd be a tremendous veteran presence for young right tackle Darnell Wright and allow the Bears to focus on improving center and left guard going into the 2025 draft. It isn't a perfect solution, but it would be a good one.
Trey Smith remains the primary target. He's still young, well-rounded, and has a personal connection to Poles. There is no question that head coach Ben Johnson would make great use of him in the new offense. Everything comes down to money. Are the Bears prepared to go high enough? We will soon find out.
