Some inside the NFL beleive the Bears will target Trey Smith
Could the Bears land the biggest target in free agancy?
We’re about six weeks away from NFL free agency, but the rumors are already swirling. With the college all-star games, Super Bowl week, and the NFL Combine all on the horizon, there’ll be plenty of off-the-record conversations about players.
In his recent 2025 Top 50 NFL free agent ranking article from Matt Bowen (and an assist from league insider Jeremy Fowler), they mentioned the Chicago Bears with Bowen’s second-ranked player.
2. Trey Smith, G
2024 team: Kansas City Chiefs | Age entering 2025 season: 26
Smith is a powerful mover in the run game, as his run block win rate of 75.1% ranks sixth among guards. In pass protection, he has the foot speed to mirror interior defenders and the strength at 6-6, 321 pounds to anchor against bull rushes. Given his traits and age, Smith should reset the market at the position.
Fowler’s latest: Some inside the league are watching Chicago here. 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.
There’s been buzz for months that Smith would likely hit free agency due to the Chiefs’ cap space, and while they could shuffle some money around and cut some players, it might not be enough for a guy sure to reset the offensive guard market.
This is a no-brainer.
The Bears should be ready with a mammoth offer as soon as the early negotiation window opens.
The ESPN piece has two current Bears listed among their top 50.
41. Teven Jenkins, G
2024 team: Chicago Bears | Age entering 2025 season: 27
Jenkins’ extensive injury history forced him down the rankings, as he has played in only 38 of a possible 68 career games. Drafted as a tackle, Jenkins has the tools to drive defenders off the ball in the run game. But he tends to be more segmented as a mover in pass protection.
I’m torn on Jenkins. I’d love to see him return, but the injury issues are a concern. The Bears did say they’d circle back on him this offseason, so let the new coaching staff evaluate him, and if they feel an offer is worthy, I’m in.
Regardless of who is signed for the offensive line, the Bears need to draft a couple of players there. The unit needs more youth, talent, and depth.
49. Keenan Allen, WR
2024 team: Chicago Bears | Age entering 2025 season: 33
Allen caught 70 passes in Chicago, leading to seven touchdown receptions. He isn’t as dynamic of a mover at this late stage of his career, but the veteran receiver is a crafty route runner who can make himself available to the quarterback. He fits as a chain-moving No. 3 receiver, which is the role he played for the Bears this season.
I’m torn on Allen, too. Teams need three receivers, and if Allen is WR3 and used correctly, which I feel Ben Johnson would most certainly do, then I could see an offer being made.
I also wonder how much his plantar fasciitis impacted his preparation for the season. He missed weeks two and three and had modest production for much of the early part of the season.
His injuries will need to be factored into the offer, but if the new coaching staff feels he’d be an asset, I’m in.
