The Bears obviously hope that Williams can be their long-term answer at quarterback. For the USC product to have long-term success, though, Chicago must protect him with a better overall blocking unit.

Kansas City Chiefs guard Trey Smith—the second-ranked player on B/R’s early 2025 free-agent board—should be high atop Chicago’s wish list. He’s an above-average pass protector and a legitimate catalyst in the running game.

Smith will undoubtedly command a heft contract on the open market—if the Chiefs even allow him to get there—but at 25 years old, he has the potential to be a franchise building block.

It would make sense for the Bears to target a guard like Smith if he does hit the free-agent market this offseason. The Chicago Bears have a big need at both guard spots going into this offseason as it’s unlikely they will re-sign Teven Jenkins barring a big change this season.

With Nate Davis gone, there is a hole at right guard as well for the Bears.

What would Trey Smith cost for the Chicago Bears?

At 25-years-old, Smith can be the guard the Bears are looking for to protect Caleb Williams for the long term. He would be a franchise building block in a major area of need for the Bears.

Right now, Spotrac has Smith projected to get a four-year deal around $74M. The Bears are expected to have a very healthy cap situation again this offseason, giving the Bears a leg up on some teams.

With Ryan Poles struggling to find solutions on the offensive line, he needs to hit a home run this offseason not only in free agency but in the 2025 NFL Draft. Landing Smith would be a key move but they also have needs at both tackle spots too. Williams is the priority for the franchise moving forward and getting the protection lined up is very important.