4 Guards the Bears Can Target in NFL Free Agency After Trey Smith Receives Franchise Tag
The Chicago Bears are in the midst of a critical phase in their roster-building process. With a young quarterback in Justin Fields and a need to revamp their offensive line, finding top-tier talent to protect him is of the utmost importance. The Bears have already been active in their pursuit of improving their offense, and one key area that needs attention is the guard position.
With the Kansas City Chiefs recently placing the franchise tag on standout guard Trey Smith, a significant potential target for the Bears in free agency has been taken off the market. However, there are still several talented guards available who could provide immediate upgrades to Chicago’s offensive line. Here are four guards the Bears can target in NFL free agency:
1. Nate Davis (Tennessee Titans)
Age: 26
2024 Salary: Projected $8 million
Overview: Nate Davis has been a reliable and consistent starter for the Tennessee Titans since being drafted in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft. Known for his physicality and ability to excel in both run-blocking and pass protection, Davis would be an ideal fit for a Bears offensive line in need of a versatile and powerful guard. His skill set could help open up lanes for Chicago’s running game while also providing better protection for Justin Fields in the pocket.
Why the Bears Should Target Him: The Bears have struggled to establish a consistent ground game, and adding a player like Davis would immediately help improve that aspect of their offense. Davis is an excellent run blocker, and given the Bears’ focus on utilizing Fields’ mobility, Davis would create more opportunities in the running game. His ability to maintain solid pass protection is also crucial, considering the Bears’ need for better pocket stability.
Fit: Davis’ run-blocking prowess aligns well with the Bears’ offensive identity, and he could be a long-term solution at guard for a relatively young offensive line.
2. Isaac Seumalo (Philadelphia Eagles)
Age: 30
2024 Salary: Projected $10 million
Overview: Isaac Seumalo is a seasoned veteran and a key component of one of the most dominant offensive lines in the NFL. Seumalo played a pivotal role in the Philadelphia Eagles’ offensive success, including their Super Bowl run, and has been a reliable starter at left guard for several seasons. His experience and versatility, with the ability to play both guard positions and even center if needed, would provide the Bears with a steady presence in the middle of their offensive line.
Why the Bears Should Target Him: The Bears’ offensive line would benefit from Seumalo’s leadership and experience. The 30-year-old has been part of a winning culture with the Eagles and could bring a high level of professionalism and consistency to Chicago’s younger group of linemen. Additionally, his ability to play across the interior line offers flexibility, which is a valuable asset for any offensive coordinator.
Fit: Seumalo would provide a veteran presence to help anchor the Bears’ offensive line and stabilize a unit that has struggled with consistency. His experience in high-stakes games could be vital for a team that is looking to build toward playoff contention.
3. Ben Powers (Baltimore Ravens)
Age: 27
2024 Salary: Projected $9 million
Overview: Ben Powers has been a reliable guard for the Baltimore Ravens and has become one of the top interior offensive linemen in the NFL. Known for his strong, physical play in both the running and passing games, Powers is especially adept at creating running lanes for ball carriers. He also does a good job in pass protection, providing the quarterback with a clean pocket to operate.
Why the Bears Should Target Him: The Bears are looking for linemen who can contribute to both the passing and running games, and Powers fits that profile perfectly. His ability to create push in the running game would be a huge boost for the Bears’ offense, which is aiming to utilize Fields’ mobility in designed runs as well as traditional handoffs. With Fields still developing as a passer, providing him with an interior lineman who can protect him will be crucial for his progression.
Fit: Powers would slot in as a day-one starter and immediately make the Bears’ offensive line more formidable. His strong play style would complement Fields’ skill set, especially as the Bears look to improve their offensive efficiency and protect their young quarterback.
4. Michael Schofield (Los Angeles Chargers)
Age: 33
2024 Salary: Projected $6 million
Overview: Michael Schofield is an experienced guard who has been a steady presence in the NFL for several seasons. Having played for multiple teams, including the Los Angeles Chargers, Schofield has established himself as a reliable veteran in both pass protection and run blocking. While his best years may be behind him, Schofield’s consistency and leadership could still be valuable to a team like the Bears, who are looking to stabilize their offensive line.
Why the Bears Should Target Him: Schofield’s experience could help mentor the younger players on the Bears’ offensive line and provide immediate depth. While he may not be the long-term solution at guard, Schofield can serve as a valuable bridge player while the Bears continue to develop their younger talent. His leadership and steadiness in the trenches could provide a much-needed veteran presence for the Bears’ offensive line.
Fit: Schofield would likely be more of a short-term option for the Bears, but his experience and ability to start at both guard positions make him a solid addition to the roster. He could help the Bears maintain consistency while they continue to build their offensive line through the draft and future free-agent signings.
The Bears’ Path to Improvement
With Trey Smith now off the market due to the Kansas City Chiefs placing the franchise tag on him, the Chicago Bears must shift their focus to other available guards in free agency. Nate Davis, Isaac Seumalo, Ben Powers, and Michael Schofield all offer unique skill sets and experience that could help solidify the Bears’ offensive line. Each player would bring a different dynamic to the team, and the Bears’ front office will need to weigh the immediate and long-term benefits of each option.
Ultimately, the Bears’ success in free agency will depend on their ability to make a compelling pitch to these top-tier guards. By addressing the offensive line with one of these experienced and talented players, the Bears can give Justin Fields the protection he needs to succeed and elevate the overall performance of their offense.