Bears’ Heated Rival Emerges as Threat to Steal Trey Smith in Free Agency
The 2025 NFL free agency period is shaping up to be a pivotal moment for many teams, including the Chicago Bears. With significant cap space and a roster still in the midst of a rebuild, the Bears have the opportunity to make some key acquisitions that could push them closer to contention. One of the most pressing needs for the Bears is the offensive line, and this offseason, the team is likely to be eyeing top-tier free-agent talent to help protect quarterback Justin Fields and enhance their running game.
One player who stands out as an immediate difference-maker in free agency is Kansas City Chiefs guard Trey Smith. The 25-year-old offensive lineman has blossomed into one of the league’s top interior offensive linemen, and with his contract expiring, Smith is poised to hit the open market. However, a heated division rival could be a major threat to the Bears’ hopes of landing him: the Detroit Lions.
Smith, a former sixth-round pick, has far exceeded expectations in his career thus far. A key player in the Chiefs’ Super Bowl runs, Smith’s aggressive style and ability to dominate in both the running game and as a pass protector have earned him a reputation as one of the league’s rising stars. As one of the top guards set to hit free agency, Smith is likely to be pursued by several teams, and the Bears will need to compete with others to secure his services. However, the Detroit Lions, with their own offensive line needs and an up-and-coming roster, have emerged as a serious threat to sign Smith away from the Bears.
The Bears’ Need for Trey Smith
For the Bears, Trey Smith represents an ideal acquisition. Chicago’s offensive line has been a work in progress, with the team making strides but still lacking a true anchor. Although Braxton Jones has shown potential as a left tackle and Cody Whitehair has been a steady presence at guard, the Bears need more consistency and strength in the trenches. Smith would immediately fill a major hole at one of the guard spots, providing the Bears with a reliable, road-grading presence who can open up holes in the running game and protect Fields in pass protection.
Justin Fields’ development is closely tied to the improvement of the offensive line. Despite his immense talent and potential, Fields has struggled with inconsistent protection throughout his early career. The Bears’ offensive line has allowed pressure to build up, which disrupts their passing attack and limits Fields’ ability to make plays downfield. By acquiring Smith, the Bears would not only improve the overall strength and depth of their offensive line, but they would also give Fields a much-needed boost in his quest to become one of the top quarterbacks in the NFC.
Trey Smith’s versatility also makes him an ideal fit for Chicago. He’s capable of playing either guard position, but his ability to step in as a dominant right guard would allow the Bears to solidify that spot, a position that has been a problem area for some time. His nastiness in the run game would be particularly valuable for the Bears’ offensive scheme, which relies heavily on establishing a strong ground game to support their young quarterback.
The Detroit Lions: A New Threat in the NFC North
While the Bears are an obvious fit for Smith, the Detroit Lions have emerged as a significant threat. The Lions have been one of the most improved teams in the NFC in recent years, and their offense, led by Jared Goff, has been steadily rising in both efficiency and explosiveness. The Lions’ offensive line has been solid, but there’s still room for improvement, particularly at the guard position. Adding a player of Smith’s caliber would instantly elevate the unit and provide the Lions with one of the most formidable offensive lines in the league.
Detroit already boasts a dominant front line with stars like Penei Sewell and Frank Ragnow, but the addition of Smith would provide the team with an elite interior presence who could help protect Goff and open up holes for a dynamic backfield led by Jahmyr Gibbs. The Lions have been aggressive in building around Goff, and adding an elite guard like Smith could make their offense even more dangerous.
The fact that the Lions are a division rival makes this potential acquisition even more significant. Chicago and Detroit have been at odds for years, and the competition to dominate the NFC North has only heated up since the Lions hired head coach Dan Campbell. As Detroit continues its rise in the NFC, the Bears must be wary of the Lions swooping in and stealing key free agents like Smith to further strengthen their roster.
Trey Smith’s Potential Impact on Both Teams
For the Bears, the acquisition of Trey Smith would be a game-changer. As mentioned, his ability to contribute immediately as a starting guard would provide an instant upgrade to the offensive line. Chicago has struggled to find stability and depth along the line, and Smith would address both issues. His physicality in the run game would be especially important for the Bears, who are trying to develop a more balanced offensive attack, rather than relying solely on Fields’ ability to make plays with his legs.
Furthermore, the Bears’ offensive line woes have been a hindrance to Fields’ growth. While Fields has immense potential, he has often been forced to improvise due to pressure in the pocket. A solidified interior line with a player like Smith could drastically improve his ability to read defenses, go through progressions, and make accurate throws. Smith’s presence would allow Chicago to better establish its running game as well, taking pressure off Fields and setting up more favorable down-and-distance situations.
On the other hand, Smith’s impact on the Lions would also be substantial. Detroit has made significant strides in recent years and now finds itself in the upper echelon of NFC teams. Adding Smith to their offensive line would bolster their run game and ensure that Goff has the protection he needs to execute the offense effectively. The Lions’ offense could potentially become one of the most well-rounded in the league with the addition of a dynamic, powerful offensive guard like Smith.
The Free-Agent Market for Guards
Trey Smith is part of a free-agent class that features several talented guards, including some high-profile names who will likely command hefty contracts. The market for offensive linemen, especially interior players, has always been competitive, and Smith will undoubtedly have multiple suitors vying for his services. The Bears will face competition not just from the Lions, but also from other teams around the league who are looking to bolster their offensive lines in free agency.
However, it’s worth noting that Smith’s relationship with the Chiefs’ front office will likely play a role in his decision-making process. Kansas City has been successful at locking down key players to long-term deals in recent years, but the Chiefs may struggle to afford Smith if they are already prioritizing other contracts. With Smith entering his prime years, it’s reasonable to expect that he would want to maximize his value while also securing a long-term role with a contender. That’s why both Chicago and Detroit are among the teams that could offer him the kind of opportunity he’s seeking.
The Bears’ Path to Acquiring Trey Smith
To beat out the Lions and other suitors for Smith, the Bears will need to make a compelling offer. While the Lions may have the appeal of a strong, rising team with an established quarterback in Goff, the Bears have a clear path to becoming contenders in the NFC with the right additions to their roster. The Bears will likely need to offer Smith a significant contract that includes both financial incentives and the promise of a prominent role in their offense.
In addition to a strong offer, the Bears will also need to make sure they are competitive in terms of cap space. Chicago is well-positioned in that regard, with a solid amount of cap room and the ability to sign key free agents without overburdening their future finances. The Lions, while also in a solid cap situation, may face competition for Smith from other teams, so