JUST IN: Bears Eye Blockbuster $90M Gamble on Chiefs Star—Game-Changer or Costly Mistake?.
JUST IN: Bears Eye Blockbuster $90M Gamble on Chiefs Star—Game-Changer or Costly Mistake?.
As the Chicago Bears approach the 2025 NFL free agency period, one potential target has been generating buzz as both a high-upside addition and a significant gamble. Kansas City Chiefs guard Trey Smith has been linked to the Bears, with analysts considering him one of the offseason’s biggest risk-reward players.
At just 25 years old, Smith has established himself as one of the top young offensive linemen in the league. He played a key role in protecting Patrick Mahomes and anchoring the Chiefs’ offensive line, earning a Pro Football Focus (PFF) grade of 78.8 in 2024—ranking him 11th among all guards. His combination of size, power, and tenacity makes him an attractive option for any team looking to bolster its offensive line.
For the Bears, signing Smith would directly address a major area of need. Chicago is expected to select USC quarterback Caleb Williams with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, and ensuring he has adequate protection will be a top priority for General Manager Ryan Poles. The Bears have struggled with offensive line consistency in recent years, and a player of Smith’s caliber could help provide stability in the trenches.
However, pursuing Smith in free agency comes with significant risks—primarily financial. According to reports, Smith is expected to command a massive contract, with projections estimating a four-year deal worth approximately $90 million. Such a hefty investment would make him one of the highest-paid guards in the league and could limit the Bears’ ability to address other roster needs.
Additionally, while Smith has been durable throughout his career, injuries are always a concern with offensive linemen, especially those who play a physical style like his. The Bears must weigh whether committing long-term to Smith is the best allocation of their resources, particularly with other potential free-agent options and draft prospects available.
From a broader perspective, the Bears’ decision on Smith reflects the high-risk, high-reward nature of NFL free agency. Investing in proven talent can accelerate a team’s rebuilding process, but miscalculations can lead to cap constraints and missed opportunities elsewhere. Chicago is in a unique position with ample cap space and a young core, making this offseason one of the most pivotal in recent franchise history.
With free agency set to begin in March, all eyes will be on the Bears and their approach to building around their future franchise quarterback. Whether Smith becomes part of that vision remains to be seen, but if the Bears take the plunge, it could be a defining move for the team’s trajectory in the years to come.
