The Chicago Bears have made headlines for the third consecutive offseason, and this time, they didn’t need to wait for the NFL Draft to make a move. By hiring former Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson as their head coach, the Bears have secured one of the most talented play-callers in the league.
Johnson was the most sought-after name in the coaching market, and his arrival signals the start of what should be a transformative offseason for the franchise—a process that many fans hoped would happen last year.
However, hiring the right coach is only the first step.
With the fourth-most cap space in the NFL, according to Spotrac, the Bears have plenty of money to spend and numerous roster needs to address. Among those needs, none are more pressing than fixing the offensive line.
That’s why Chicago must prioritize signing Kansas City Chiefs guard Trey Smith in free agency, even if it requires paying a premium.
Ideally, the Bears would secure Smith at a reasonable cost, but his talent makes him worth the investment.
Pro Football Focus ranks him as the 12th-best guard in the NFL, and at just 25 years old, Smith is still in his prime. He isn’t an aging veteran whose best years are behind him; instead, he’s an ascending talent with plenty of productive seasons ahead.
BSmith also has a connection to the Bears, as he was a college teammate of offensive tackle Darnell Wright, Chicago’s 2023 first-round pick.
Additionally, Bears general manager Ryan Poles was part of the Kansas City front office when Smith was drafted in the sixth round in 2021.
During Johnson’s time in Detroit, the Lions built one of the league’s most dominant offensive lines, anchored by stars like Penei Sewell, Frank Ragnow, and Kevin Zeitler. Their performance under Johnson helped create one of the NFL’s most dynamic running games and screen attacks.
More importantly, it kept quarterback Jared Goff upright—he was sacked only 84 times over three seasons. This type of stability and effectiveness is exactly what Chicago needs to replicate.
Unfortunately, the Bears’ offensive line in 2024 was historically bad.
Rookie quarterback Caleb Williams endured a nightmare season, getting sacked 68 times, the third-most in a single season in NFL history.
He lost 466 yards due to those sacks, the fourth-most ever. To make matters worse, Williams was under pressure on 10.79% of his dropbacks.
As a fan who watched every snap of Williams’ rookie campaign, it was clear that many of his plays ended in chaos. He avoided sacks numerous times with his mobility, but that’s not a sustainable strategy.
The problems extended beyond pass protection. The Bears ranked 27th in rushing yards per attempt, even with free-agent acquisition D’Andre Swift in the backfield.
Swift, accustomed to playing behind elite offensive lines in Detroit and Philadelphia, struggled in Chicago’s disorganized system.
While Swift performed admirably given the circumstances, it was clear the offensive line was holding the entire team back.
Signing Trey Smith would provide an immediate upgrade to the offensive line and signal a turning point for the Bears. However, it’s just one piece of the puzzle. Chicago should also target offensive line talent in the NFL Draft.
While it may be tempting to use their 10th overall pick on an edge rusher, the Bears could invest one of their second-round selections in further fortifying the line.
Building a strong, cohesive offensive line is essential for protecting Caleb Williams and setting the team up for long-term success.
Trey Smith’s addition would give the Bears a cornerstone on the offensive line, which has been a glaring weakness for years.
Pairing him with Darnell Wright would create a solid foundation for the future. Smith’s age, talent, and experience playing in a successful system make him an ideal target.
Beyond his individual skills, Smith would bring a winning mentality cultivated during his time with the Chiefs, an organization known for its offensive prowess.
The Lions’ offensive success under Ben Johnson wasn’t just about individual talent—it was about a system that maximized the strengths of its players. Johnson’s expertise as a play-caller, combined with a revamped offensive line, could transform Chicago’s offense.
A strong line would enable the Bears to establish a potent running game and protect Williams, giving him the time he needs to develop into a franchise quarterback.
The Bears’ offensive struggles in 2024 were a stark reminder of the importance of trench play. Even the most talented skill players can’t thrive behind a poor offensive line.
By addressing this issue head-on and prioritizing Trey Smith in free agency, Chicago can begin to change the narrative. Smith’s signing would represent a significant step forward for the Bears, but the work doesn’t end there.
A complete overhaul of the offensive line, supplemented by smart drafting and additional free-agent moves, will be necessary to build a team capable of competing at the highest level.
Ben Johnson’s hiring is an exciting development for the Bears, but the real challenge lies in giving him the tools to succeed.
Trey Smith is the kind of player who can help turn Chicago’s offensive line from a liability into a strength.
With the right investments this offseason, the Bears can finally begin building the team their fans have been waiting for—a team that can protect its quarterback, establish a dominant ground game, and compete for championships.