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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Gena- if you listened to Brad Biggs today, you’d know Jenkins is ranked 12th as far as FA lineman go. Its not cause he sucks. Biggs says he’ll miss 4 games and not finish 3-5 others. Its about availability and teams know this. Biggs says his market isnt as big as you would think it should be.
Personally, I think the Bears should offer him an incentive laden contract based on time played and see if his agent accepts it. Biggs also expects Jenkins to be gone. I think the Bears are making the wrong move by letting him go.
@Sallie Yes. Do you recall when Jenkins lined up at RG next to Wright? They dominated DLs. But then with suckDavis return, Teven was sent to the left side next to Braxton which was good for Braxton. Jenkins was rated ahead of Trey Smith by PFF as the 13th best overall OG. Dalman was the 5th highest rated Center in 2024 although his pass blocking was below average. Still, he’s a very good run blocker. Too bad Jenkins has missed so many games due to injury. Otherwise, i’d resign him. The options are thin. Becton is ranked 21st. But he’s… Read more »
Start by not drafting a punter and you have a better draft than 2 of the last 3 drafts. Now they have a coach that likes to punt…..never, if there is one position I don’t want winning all-pro status on my team ITS THE PUNTER!!!!! Keep it simple stupid. Don’t reach for guys who never played exceptionally in college but showed up looking great in underware at the combine. Don’t reach for players from tiny conferences. Like I used to advise Ryan Pace there is more than enough talent in the SEC alone to have a draft. Stop trying to… Read more »
Guys — Drew Dahlman had 554 total snaps in 9 games with the Atlanta Falcons, last year– all at center. Teven Jenkins had 738 snaps in 14 games with the Chicago Bears, in 2024 — all at LG. Since 2022, Teven Jenkins has appeared in 39 of the scheduled 51 regular season NFL games and Drew Dahlman has appeared in 40. “Frying pan” or “fire” — isn’t it all the same? [Is there actually a compelling reason to get rid of Teven Jenkins? Or, is it still just the case that Teven Jenkins is not (and never will bel) a… Read more »
I have no problem with Dalman and Zeitler. I think Zeitler is a 1 or 2 year guy at most while you are developing someone you pick in round 2 or later. I would prefer Evan Brown over Zeitler as he is longer term starting option, and he also has been an effective center if Dalman went down. You need some positional flexibility among the line. Teven Jenkins is done here. Is he good when on the field, yes, but he is rarely on the field, and when he tries to play hurt, he is a sieve. Hell, we could… Read more »