BREAKING NEWS: Chicago Bears Sign Indianapolis Colts Veteran Guard Wills Fries After Losing Out on Kansas City Chiefs Guard Trey Smith in Free Agency
In an unexpected but strategic move, the Chicago Bears have signed veteran Indianapolis Colts guard Wills Fries to bolster their offensive line, following their failure to secure Kansas City Chiefs guard Trey Smith during free agency. With the Bears committed to improving their protection for quarterback Justin Fields and enhancing their running game, the acquisition of Fries offers an opportunity to stabilize an offensive line that has been under the microscope for several seasons.
This signing represents a critical piece in the Bears’ overall offseason strategy, which has been defined by an emphasis on building a more competitive and cohesive team around their young quarterback. While many fans were hoping that Chicago could land Smith, a former standout at the University of Tennessee and a rising star for the Chiefs, the Bears quickly pivoted, making an offer to Fries, whose professional experience and grit should help fill the gaps in Chicago’s line. Let’s take a closer look at the Bears’ decision-making process and the role Wills Fries will play moving forward.
The Bears’ Offensive Line Woes
Over the past several seasons, the Chicago Bears have struggled to find stability on the offensive line, an issue that has had profound implications on the development of their young quarterbacks, particularly Justin Fields. The team’s offensive line has been prone to inconsistency, with frequent injuries and changes to starting personnel, preventing the unit from establishing the cohesion required to succeed at the NFL level.
In particular, last season, the Bears ranked poorly in terms of offensive line play, which was a contributing factor to the struggles in their passing and running games. Fields, who showed flashes of brilliance in his sophomore season, was sacked 55 times in 2022—the most in the league. While some of these sacks can be attributed to Fields’ own tendency to hold the ball too long, the offensive line’s inability to protect him has undoubtedly been a major hindrance to the team’s offensive output.
The Bears front office, led by general manager Ryan Poles and head coach Matt Eberflus, recognized the need for significant upgrades along the line to better protect Fields and open up running lanes for the team’s dynamic backs. With this in mind, the Bears entered free agency with a mission to improve the line, and their first major target was none other than Trey Smith of the Kansas City Chiefs.
The Trey Smith Pursuit and the Setback
Trey Smith, a 6’6″, 330-pound mauler from Tennessee, had quickly become one of the top guards in the NFL after being drafted by the Chiefs in 2021. Known for his physicality and ability to both dominate in the run game and protect the quarterback, Smith was seen as a perfect fit for the Bears, who desperately needed a player who could anchor the interior of their offensive line and bring a mean streak to their running game.
Smith’s combination of size, power, and experience made him a coveted target for several teams during the free agency period, and the Bears were among the frontrunners for his services. However, despite Chicago’s clear interest, Smith ultimately re-signed with the Kansas City Chiefs on a multi-year deal, choosing to stay with a franchise that had proven to be a perennial Super Bowl contender.
This left the Bears in a difficult position, scrambling to find another viable option to strengthen their offensive line. The team’s front office had made it clear that securing an upgrade at guard was a top priority, and losing out on Smith was a setback in their efforts to build a more competitive team.
Wills Fries: A Solid, Experienced Replacement
While the Bears were disappointed to miss out on Trey Smith, they quickly turned their attention to another veteran option: Wills Fries. Fries, who has spent his entire career with the Indianapolis Colts, is a versatile and reliable guard with plenty of starting experience. The 26-year-old has been a steady presence in the Colts’ line since being drafted in 2021, and he is seen as a player with untapped potential who could thrive in a new environment.
Fries has started multiple games at both left and right guard for the Colts, and his ability to adapt to different positions along the line has made him an attractive prospect for Chicago. While Fries may not have the same raw power and physicality as Smith, he has proven to be a smart, dependable player who can provide stability on an offensive line that has struggled to find consistency in recent years.
One of the key selling points for the Bears is Fries’ ability to play both guard spots, which gives the team flexibility in terms of positioning him alongside other players on the line. Chicago has made several moves to improve their offensive line depth, but finding the right mix of talent and experience is crucial. Fries, who has been praised for his football IQ and leadership on the field, should be a stabilizing force in the locker room and on the field.
Strengthening the Interior Offensive Line
The interior offensive line is often the most critical area for any team looking to protect their quarterback and establish a successful running game, and Fries should make an immediate impact in this regard. His combination of intelligence, experience, and strong fundamentals makes him a perfect fit for the Bears’ needs. In particular, Fries excels at getting to the second level in the run game, a crucial skill for opening up running lanes for Bears running backs like David Montgomery (who is now with the Detroit Lions) and Khalil Herbert.
Fries also boasts a reputation for being a tenacious pass blocker, which should help Fields feel more secure in the pocket. As the Bears continue to work on developing Fields into their franchise quarterback, having reliable interior protection will be essential in giving him the time he needs to make plays and read defenses. Whether it’s creating space for a running back to burst through or providing Fields with a cleaner pocket to survey the field, Fries will be a key cog in this process.
Chicago’s new offensive line coach, Chris Morgan, will undoubtedly be thrilled to have a player like Fries on the roster. Morgan has a history of coaching up young offensive linemen and improving their technique, and Fries’ consistent play will allow him to focus on refining other aspects of the line’s performance.
The Bigger Picture: A Change in Philosophy
The Bears’ decision to pivot quickly after missing out on Trey Smith is indicative of a larger shift in philosophy under the new regime. General manager Ryan Poles has shown a willingness to make calculated moves that may not necessarily involve splashing big names in free agency, but instead, opting for players who fit the team’s needs and culture. This approach prioritizes long-term stability and sustainable growth over short-term excitement.
Signing Fries represents a shift toward smart, strategic additions that complement the team’s broader goals. While some fans may have been disappointed not to land a big-name player like Smith, the move to sign Fries could ultimately pay off in a more consistent and cohesive offensive line that will help the Bears contend in the NFC North.
The Bears have also been active in the 2025 draft, which could offer additional reinforcements for their offensive line. Adding Fries to the mix—alongside young, promising players—creates a solid foundation for future growth.
What This Means for Justin Fields
Perhaps the most important takeaway from the Bears’ acquisition of Fries is the potential impact it could have on Justin Fields. The young quarterback’s development is the central focus of the franchise, and the front office has made it clear that protecting him will be a top priority. Fields showed immense promise during his rookie and sophomore seasons, but without a solid offensive line, his ability to consistently produce at a high level will always be in jeopardy.
By bringing in Wills Fries, the Bears are sending a clear message that they are committed to creating a favorable environment for Fields to thrive. While no one expects Fries to be a game-changer in the same way that a top-tier guard like Trey Smith might be, his presence in the lineup will help to stabilize a line that has long been a source of concern. With a more consistent offensive line, Fields will have more opportunities to grow into his role as the team’s leader and face of the franchise.