With the NFL offseason now underway, teams are making crucial decisions about their rosters following the conclusion of Super Bowl LIX, in which the Kansas City Chiefs fell short against the Philadelphia Eagles. While much of the speculation has centered around whether star tight end Travis Kelce will retire, the Chiefs also face key choices regarding several high-profile free agents. Among the notable names are linebacker Nick Bolton, safety Justin Reid, defensive end Charles Omenihu, veteran wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins, and standout offensive lineman Trey Smith.
Smith, a dominant force on Kansas City’s offensive line, is widely regarded as one of the best available linemen in this free-agent class. On Wednesday, reports surfaced that the Chiefs are unlikely to use the franchise tag on him, opening the door for potential suitors. Following this revelation, sportsbooks quickly adjusted their odds, with a clear favorite emerging in Smith’s free agency sweepstakes.
According to Bovada Sportsbook, the Chicago Bears currently hold the best odds at -120 to sign Smith, while Kansas City trails behind at +180. With Smith expected to command a significant contract exceeding $25 million annually, as projected by OverTheCap, multiple teams are expected to make a strong push to land the talented lineman.
The Bears, in particular, are well-positioned to pursue Smith aggressively. With over $55 million in cap space entering the offseason, Chicago is looking to bolster its offensive line, especially to protect quarterback Caleb Williams. Last season, the Bears’ offensive line struggled significantly, allowing Williams to be sacked 68 times. Adding a proven interior lineman like Smith could be a crucial step in stabilizing their protection scheme and enhancing their overall offensive performance.
At just 25 years old, Smith has already established himself as one of the premier offensive guards in the league. Since being drafted by Kansas City in 2021, he has played a pivotal role in the Chiefs’ success, helping the team capture two Super Bowl titles. His durability and consistency have been evident throughout his career, as he has started in 17 games every season except 2022 when he played in 16 contests. This past year, Smith earned his first Pro Bowl selection, further solidifying his reputation as one of the league’s top interior linemen.
With free agency approaching, Smith is expected to be one of the most coveted players on the market. While the Chiefs could still make an effort to retain him, their financial flexibility is limited compared to other teams with ample cap space, such as the Bears. Given his youth, experience, and high level of play, Smith’s next contract will likely be one of the most lucrative among offensive linemen this offseason.
As teams prepare to make their pitches, the Bears appear to be in prime position to secure Smith’s services. If Chicago can land the talented guard, it would be a significant step forward in fortifying their offensive line and ensuring better protection for their young quarterback. The coming weeks will determine whether the Chiefs can find a way to keep Smith or if the Bears will successfully lure him away to solidify their offensive front for the future.
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