Bears’ Offensive Line Faces Earth-Shattering Blow as Trey Smith’s Franchise Tag with Chiefs Sparks Urgent $14 Million Search for Replacement
The Chicago Bears’ offensive line plans were dealt a significant setback when the Kansas City Chiefs announced that they would franchise tag guard Trey Smith. The news has sent shockwaves through the Bears’ front office, forcing General Manager Ryan Poles to quickly reassess the team’s strategy heading into the 2025 NFL free agency. The Bears were initially poised to target Smith as a key piece to bolster their offensive line and protect rookie quarterback Caleb Williams. However, with Smith now off the market, Poles faces the daunting challenge of finding alternative solutions to fortify the line.
The decision to franchise tag Smith is a blow to the Bears’ plans, as they had identified the 24-year-old guard as a key target to upgrade their offensive front. Smith’s skill set, which includes exceptional pass protection and run-blocking abilities, would have been a valuable asset to a team in desperate need of line stability. With the franchise tag locking him in with the Chiefs for at least one more season, the Bears must now pivot and explore other free agent options to address their offensive line needs.
Despite this setback, the Bears are not without hope. According to ESPN’s projections, there are still viable options available in the open market. One name that stands out is Indianapolis Colts guard Will Fries. At 27 years old, Fries is entering his prime and has shown solid potential as a starter. Though his 2024 season was shortened by injury, Fries demonstrated impressive pass block win rates and run-blocking proficiency, making him an attractive candidate for the Bears.
The Colts are optimistic about retaining Fries, which could complicate the Bears’ efforts to sign him. Additionally, ESPN predicts that Fries could command a contract worth more than $14 million per season, adding another layer of complexity to the Bears’ pursuit. The potential price tag, combined with competition from other teams, means that Poles and the Bears will need to move quickly and strategically if they hope to land the talented guard.
As the offseason progresses, the urgency to solidify the Bears’ offensive line has only increased. With up to three new starters needed to protect Caleb Williams and strengthen the team’s overall performance, the pressure is on for the Bears to secure impactful signings. The franchise tag on Trey Smith may have altered the Bears’ original plan, but they now have the opportunity to make strategic moves to reshape their offensive line for the future.