The Chicago Bears were likely going to break the bank for only one name in free agency. Unfortunately, that name is no longer available. Former Pro Bowl right guard Trey Smith was franchise-tagged by the Kansas City Chiefs on Thursday. That means he is staying with the team for at least one more year, though most experts believe this is a move meant to buy time until the two sides hammer out an extension. Either way, the Bears are out of luck. That means GM Ryan Poles must shift to other possibilities as the market draws closer to opening.
It will be a challenge. Finding high-quality starters on the veteran market is tricky. Everybody remembers the Nate Davis debacle. Poles must be careful about who he targets, which is why he is likely reluctant to fork out big money. Adam Hoge of CHGO had feelers out at the scouting combine to see which way, if any, the Bears might be leaning. He came away with two notable names to watch: center Drew Dalman and right guard Kevin Zeitler.
Ryan Poles is likely leaning on Ben Johnson here.
Zeitler is a longtime veteran guard who has put together a terrific career. He was a key part of the Detroit Lions’ offensive line, which made the team a massive success over the past two years. Johnson knows him well. Though 35 years old, his recent play suggests he should have at least one or two more good years left in him. He would make a solid bridge option for the Bears until they can find somebody younger. Dalman, meanwhile, is widely viewed as the best center option available. He’s 26, a high-end run blocker, and has steadily improved in pass protection during his stint with Atlanta.
Adding both men won’t increase the star power on the Bears’ offensive line, but it would definitely bring more stability. That is what Ryan Poles and the coaching staff should be shooting for. Getting the pass protection in front of Caleb Williams settled down is the first priority. Adding Dalman and Zeitler would be a crucial first step. They could then add a high draft choice in April to bring it all together. It’s not a flashy plan. Still, it feels like a good one.
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@TGena True. Jenkins is PFF ranked ahead of Trey Smith and would do well in Zeitler’s spot next to All Pros. But Zeitler, an iron man who hardly ever missed games, has been one of the top Guards even before joining the Lions. But he’s going to be 35. Older lineman break down, We don’t want to let oft-injured Jenkins go just to replace him with someone who ends up getting injured all the time. On the other hand, what options do we have other than Becton who may never realize his 1st round potential? There are no guarantees. Players… Read more »
Gena – what makes you so sure Jenkins would suddenly be healthy for an entire season. And … you are asking for a friend? Why doesnt Sillie ask himself?
Hey Erik — 34-year old Kevin Zeitler (PFF overall grade of 86.8) played RG for the Lions in 2024, between 28-year old C, Frank Ragnow (PFF: 85.3) and 24-year old RT, Penei Sewell (PFF:87.5). 26-year old Teven Jenkins (PFF overall grade of 75.4) played LG for the Bears between 29-year old C, Coleman Shelton (PFF: 66.4) and 25-year old LT, Braxton Jones (PFF:77.4). How well would you expect RG, Teven Jenkins to do in Detroit; playing between Ragnow and Sewell — beginnng this 2025 NFL season? Do you think that unsettling possibility ever crossed GM Ryan Poles’ mind? Asking for… Read more »
Okay this article makes sense at least. The draft is a long way off.
I just don’t think 2 starters is enough for free agency. Going to need at least 4 players
+ bring back Shelton for insurance.
Poles really needs to get it right this time in free agency. Then we’ll have plenty of time to analyze the draft.