A report by Dianna Russini of The Athletic about the Chiefs’ plans for guard Trey Smith may not bode well for the Bears as they aim to bolster their offensive line during free agency. As the NFL Combine approaches, this news complicates the Bears’ efforts to improve their guard position.
Although it was previously reported that the Kansas City Chiefs wouldn’t tag the highly sought-after Smith, Russini’s recent update suggests the Chiefs are still exploring ways to retain the player. This report, part of The Athletic’s “Scoop City” and featured in an article about the top 19 players of the offseason, indicates the Chiefs haven’t completely ruled out keeping Smith.
Every OL last season that played 1,000+ snaps and gave up either 0 or just 1 Sack:
🏰 Trey Smith (0)
🏰 Creed Humphrey (0)
🏰 Tyler Linderbaum (0)
🏰 Joe Thuney (0)
🏰 Elgton Jenkins (1)
🏰 Chris Lindstrom (1)
🏰 Sam Cosmi (1)
🏰 Penei Sewell (1)
🏰 Quinn Meinerz (1)
🏰 Daniel… https://t.co/EG1N8F0siU pic.twitter.com/Fm8wM23kIZ— The 33rd Team (@The33rdTeamFB) February 24, 2025
The Bears were already expecting stiff competition for Smith from teams with ample salary cap space, such as New England, which boasts the highest cap room at $120.26 million. The Chargers are also mentioned as potential suitors.
Chicago currently holds the fifth-largest cap space at $69.93 million, according to Overthecap.com.
On the other hand, the Chiefs have just $4.4 million in effective cap space, making it difficult to sign Smith to a long-term deal unless significant roster changes occur, like tight end Travis Kelce’s retirement or restructuring contracts.
If the #Bears can’t land Trey Smith in FA, I’d love for their big-money signing to be Milton Williams at DT
Elite athleticism with a red-hot motor makes him a valuable passing-down defender. Would be a game changer for Chicago’s DL pic.twitter.com/nlmWAwtVTQ
— Jacob Infante (@jacobinfante24) February 13, 2025
For the Bears, potential alternatives at guard include veteran Kevin Zeitler from the Lions, Will Fries from the Colts, and their own unrestricted free agent, Teven Jenkins. Jenkins has posted Pro Football Focus blocking grades comparable to or better than Smith’s over the past three seasons, though he has missed 23 games in that span, while Smith has only missed one.
It’s unlikely the Bears will discuss Smith specifically at the Combine on Tuesday, as he remains under contract until March 12, and any comments could risk tampering violations.
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