Bears Unable to Sign Trey Smith as Chiefs Franchise Tag Him

The Chicago Bears faced a setback in their pursuit of Pro Bowl guard Trey Smith after the Kansas City Chiefs placed a franchise tag on him, effectively removing him from the free-agent market. General manager Ryan Poles, who previously worked with Smith in Kansas City, had hoped to bolster the Bears' offensive line, particularly to protect quarterback Caleb Williams. Despite this disappointment, the Bears still have options to address their offensive guard needs, including potential alternatives like Brandon Scherff and Mekhi Becton, or using their high draft picks. Smith's franchise tag guarantees him a $23.4 million contract for the 2025 season, with the Chiefs optimistic about securing a long-term deal with him. The Bears are now exploring other routes in free agency and the draft to enhance their offensive line, as they have significant cap space available. This situation highlights the competitive nature of NFL free agency and the strategic decisions teams must make to improve.