Bears Linked to Super Bowl Champion Ahead of Free Agency

Ryan Poles, Chicago Bears

Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson acknowledged that the team must improve along the offensive line. Johnson did not go into details about which positions the Bears should specifically seek to upgrade. However, they figure to need at least one guard.

According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the Bears are being linked to one of the best in the business.

Bears Linked to Chiefs G Trey Smith Ahead of Free Agency

Trey Smith Would Help Solidify Pocket for Bears QB Caleb Williams

Kansas City Chiefs guard Trey Smith is set to hit free agency and has ties to the Bears.

“Some inside the league are watching Chicago here,” Fowler wrote on January 29. “General manager Ryan Poles, who needs to drastically improve his interior offensive line for new coach Ben Johnson, was in Kansas City when the Chiefs drafted Smith. Several teams have him as the top overall free agent.”

The No. 226 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, Smith turns 26 years old in June. He has missed one game due to injury in his career, in 2022, playing in every other possible contest.

Smith is coming off a four-year, $3.6 million contract and is due for a significant raise.

Bears Floated as Landing Spot for Falcons C Drew Dalman

With all of their needs up front, it comes as no surprise that Fowler also suggested the Bears could get in on the bidding for Atlanta Falcons center Drew Dalman. Like with a potential pursuit of Smith, though, they will not be alone in their interest in Dahlman.

Dalman is the top center projected to hit the market.

“As the main guy at the position in a soft market, Dalman has a chance to receive top-three money among centers, surpassing Lloyd Cushenberry III’s four-year, $50 million deal with the Titans in 2024,” Fowler wrote. “Chicago needs to address its interior offensive line, and New England also could be among teams looking for center help.”

The Falcons are more than $11 million over the cap, per Over The Cap, which could push Dalman out the door. Dalman could hit free agency coming off a four-year, $4.2 million pact.

Bears Financial Outlook Could Lead to Another Active Offseason

The Bears hold the No. 10 overall selection in the 2025 NFL Draft, and they have four picks in the top 100 of the cycle. According to OTC, they also have the fifth-most cap space with few current players that must be addressed with extensions.

Poles – who was in KC when Smith was drafted – has proven aggressive when looking to address an issue on the roster. He has done so at cornerback, defensive tackle, and wide receiver. His forays to address the offensive line have not proven as fruitful.

The clarity of what this team needs should allow the Bears to focus their efforts on more impactful players even if they come at a premium.

The NFL offseason – i.e. free agency – starts on March 12. However, teams can begin negotiating with outside free agents on March 10. Another aggressive approach could yield the desired results in Dalman and Smith.