Chicago Bears Poised to Capitalize as Chiefs Likely to Let Trey Smith Test Free Agency
The Chicago Bears could be in line for a major boost following a key development in the AFC West this week.
According to Nate Taylor of The Athletic (February 19), the Kansas City Chiefs are unlikely to use the franchise tag on Pro Bowl guard Trey Smith, meaning he will hit free agency next month unless a long-term deal is agreed upon soon.
“The Chiefs are not expected to place the franchise tag or transition tag on Smith, per a league source,” Taylor reported. “Instead, the Chiefs will aim to retain one of their top players by offering a four- or five-year contract.”
Bears Emerge as Leading Suitor for Trey Smith
Kansas City faces a salary cap challenge, giving Chicago a clear edge in any potential bidding war.
As of Wednesday, Spotrac reports the Bears have $64 million in available cap space, compared to just $3.2 million for the Chiefs. While the NFL salary cap is projected to increase by $22-$26 million, that may not be enough for Kansas City to match a high-priced offer for Smith.
Insiders have linked Chicago to Smith since before the Super Bowl, and now the Bears could make an aggressive move, possibly offering a five-year deal worth over $100 million—a contract that would make Smith the highest-paid guard in NFL history.
The Bears are desperate to revamp an offensive line that surrendered 68 sacks on rookie quarterback Caleb Williams last season. New head coach Ben Johnson, who previously led a dominant Lions offensive line, has emphasized immediate O-line investment in Chicago.
ESPN Names Bears as Ideal Landing Spot for Smith
Matt Bowen of ESPN ranked Smith as the No. 2 overall free agent in 2025 and named the Bears as his best fit, further fueling speculation that Chicago will push to sign him.
“The top interior lineman on the market, Smith would significantly upgrade a crucial position for Chicago,” Bowen wrote. “He is a dominant run blocker, ranking sixth among guards with a 75.1% win rate. At 6-6, 321 pounds, he possesses the foot speed and strength to anchor against bull rushes. Bears GM Ryan Poles could make a statement move to strengthen the line for Ben Johnson’s new offense.”
The Bears also hold the No. 10, 39, and 41 picks in April’s NFL Draft and are expected to target offensive linemen, whether or not they land Smith in free agency.
