Most will agree that the Chicago Bears must take a big swing in free agency next month. They have the salary cap space to do it. If it happens anywhere, most believe it will be on the offensive line. GM Ryan Poles knows his unit badly underachieved this season, allowing 67 sacks. The unit needs an overhaul. Adding a proven veteran would be the first important step in getting things settled down. That is where the name Trey Smith keeps coming up in conversations.
It isn't hard to connect the dots. Smith was a 6th round pick for the Kansas City Chiefs in 2021. He became a Pro Bowler at right guard for them and is on the cusp of winning his third Super Bowl. Poles helped draft him that year, so there is a familiarity between the two. What people don't know is whether Smith will be available and if the Bears are ready to pursue him. Local insider Bill Zimmerman of Windy City Gridiron put those concerns to rest.
Trey Smith will have plenty of suitors.
It isn't a secret that other teams need offensive line help. One of them, the New England Patriots, has more money to spend than Chicago. That means the market should be fierce. There is a strong possibility Trey Smith will end up becoming the highest-paid guard in the NFL by the time the dust settles. That likely means at least $22 million per year. It is a lot, but the Bears should not care. They are at a critical point in their rebuild. Now is the time to throw all the resources possible into the development of Caleb Williams. That includes better protection. His rookie contract allows them to spend considerably. It is time to take advantage. Poles has the connection and the money. There is no excuse for him not to get this done.
