NFL Free Agency: Is Trey Smith, a Veteran Offensive Lineman, Available to the Chicago Bears?
The Chicago Bears are heading into the 2025 NFL offseason with a clear mission: rebuild and elevate their offensive line to help Justin Fields thrive and create a more competitive roster. One name that has been catching the attention of Bears fans and analysts alike is Trey Smith, the highly regarded offensive lineman currently with the Kansas City Chiefs.
Trey Smith, who has been an integral part of the Chiefs’ offensive line since being drafted in 2021, has quickly become one of the most reliable and dominant guards in the league. Known for his strength, technique, and versatility, Smith has been a key figure in protecting Patrick Mahomes and helping the Chiefs maintain one of the most potent offenses in the NFL. With the Bears looking to solidify their own offensive line, the potential availability of Smith in NFL free agency has raised many questions: is Trey Smith, the veteran offensive lineman, available to the Chicago Bears?
Let’s break down the situation surrounding Trey Smith, his current status with the Chiefs, and what the Bears might be able to expect if they pursue him during the upcoming free agency period.
Trey Smith’s Current Contract Situation with the Kansas City Chiefs
Trey Smith was drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs in the sixth round of the 2021 NFL Draft. As a result of his draft position, Smith is on a relatively affordable rookie contract that spans four years, with a team option for a fifth year. As of now, Smith is under contract with the Chiefs until 2025. This means that unless the Chiefs make a decision to trade or release Smith, he is not immediately available on the open market.
However, the Chiefs are facing some difficult financial decisions in the coming years. As one of the top teams in the league, they have a number of key players on big contracts, including quarterback Patrick Mahomes, defensive tackle Chris Jones, and others. The Chiefs will need to navigate their salary cap carefully in order to maintain their elite roster. With that in mind, Smith’s status could be influenced by the Chiefs’ ability to balance the budget and re-sign other crucial players.
While it is not certain that the Chiefs will look to part ways with Smith, the salary cap situation could make it difficult for them to retain every key player. If Kansas City does decide to move on from Smith, it could open the door for a team like the Chicago Bears to swoop in and add the veteran guard to their offensive line.
Why the Chicago Bears Are Interested in Trey Smith
The Chicago Bears have made no secret of their desire to upgrade their offensive line in recent seasons. With Justin Fields at the helm, the Bears need to improve the protection around their young quarterback, who has the potential to become a star in the NFL but has struggled with consistency due to inconsistent offensive line play. Adding a player of Trey Smith’s caliber would provide an immediate boost to the Bears’ offensive line and help create more opportunities for Fields to succeed.
Smith’s physicality, strength, and ability to open running lanes would make him an ideal fit for the Bears’ system. Chicago’s offense, which has emphasized the use of running backs like Khalil Herbert and D’Onta Foreman, would greatly benefit from Smith’s ability to control the line of scrimmage and pave the way for the running game. Additionally, his pass protection skills would be crucial in giving Fields more time to operate in the pocket, something that has been a challenge for the Bears over the past few seasons.
Smith’s versatility is another factor that makes him an attractive option for the Bears. While he plays primarily at right guard, his ability to slide into other positions along the offensive line could give the Bears flexibility as they continue to build out their roster. Smith would provide depth and stability across the offensive line, giving the Bears more options as they aim to build a cohesive and effective front five.
The Impact of Trey Smith on the Bears’ Offensive Line
If the Bears were to acquire Trey Smith, it would significantly improve their offensive line from day one. The addition of a high-caliber player like Smith would instantly make the Bears’ offensive line more formidable and add a physical presence to their front five. With Smith, the Bears could have a more reliable and productive running game, which in turn would create better opportunities for Justin Fields in the passing game.
The Bears’ offensive line has been one of their most glaring weaknesses in recent seasons. They’ve struggled with pass protection, often leaving Fields under pressure and unable to perform at a high level. Smith’s arrival could help fix some of those issues, giving Fields a more consistent pocket to work from and allowing the Bears to execute more varied offensive schemes.
Smith would also provide veteran leadership in the locker room, something that is invaluable for a team that is still in the process of rebuilding. As one of the most durable and reliable players on the Chiefs’ offensive line, Smith has experience in high-pressure situations and could help mentor younger players on the Bears’ roster. His presence could be particularly beneficial for younger players like Teven Jenkins and Cody Whitehair, helping them improve their technique and consistency.
Could the Bears Afford Trey Smith?
Given that Smith is still under contract with the Chiefs for 2025, the Bears would not have the opportunity to sign him outright during free agency unless he is made available through a trade or release. However, if the Chiefs are willing to part with Smith, the Bears’ salary cap space could play a role in determining whether they are able to acquire him.
As of now, the Bears are projected to have substantial cap space heading into the 2025 offseason. This would give them the financial flexibility to make a significant move, such as trading for Smith or even offering him a lucrative contract if he were to be released. The Bears’ general manager, Ryan Poles, has demonstrated a commitment to building a competitive roster with an emphasis on acquiring talent through free agency and trades, so the financial aspect of pursuing Smith should not be a major barrier.
That said, the Bears would also need to weigh the cost of adding Smith against other potential moves they could make to improve the team. Given the current state of their roster, they will need to balance addressing the offensive line with other areas of need, such as wide receiver and defensive back. If Smith becomes available, it could be a priority move for the Bears, but they will likely have to assess whether other opportunities in free agency or the draft would be more beneficial for their long-term success.
What Would a Trade for Trey Smith Look Like?
If the Kansas City Chiefs do decide to part ways with Trey Smith, the Bears would likely explore the option of trading for the veteran offensive lineman. While Smith’s contract is still relatively affordable, acquiring him via trade could be a way for the Chiefs to secure some additional assets while freeing up cap space. In return, the Bears might have to part with a draft pick or potentially a young player, depending on the value the Chiefs place on Smith.
Given Smith’s importance to the Chiefs’ offensive line, a trade would not come cheap. However, the Bears could potentially negotiate a deal that benefits both sides—providing the Chiefs with valuable assets while adding a key piece to the Bears’ offensive line. A move like this would signal the Bears’ commitment to their rebuild and their desire to provide Fields with the protection he needs to succeed.