The Chicago Bears believe they’ve found their head coach of the future. Ben Johnson is widely respected as one of the best offensive minds in the game. He should be able to help Caleb Williams ascend at quarterback. The next obvious step is working to fortify the roster for next season. Former GM Ryan Pace spared no expense in 2018 after he hired Matt Nagy. Chicago signed Allen Robinson in free agency and completed a blockbuster trade for star pass rusher Khalil Mack. Could GM Ryan Poles take a similarly aggressive approach?
People around the NFL seem to think so. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler provided some updates regarding the 2025 free agent class. Two specific names were mentioned as targets the Bears are expected to pursue in March. The first is Kansas City Chiefs right guard Trey Smith.
Some inside the league are watching Chicago here. General manager Ryan Poles, who needs to drastically improve his interior offensive line for new coach Ben Johnson, was in Kansas City when the Chiefs drafted Smith. Several teams have him as the top overall free agent.
Smith has made the Pro Bowl and won two Super Bowls with the Chiefs since being drafted in 2021. He’s on the cusp of winning a third next week. There is no question he would instantly upgrade the Bears’ interior. The other name to watch is Drew Dalman out of Atlanta.
As the main guy at the position in a soft market, Dalman has a chance to receive top-three money among centers, surpassing Lloyd Cushenberry III’s four-year, $50 million deal with the Titans in 2024. Chicago needs to address its interior offensive line, and New England also could be among teams looking for center help.
The Chicago Bears would gain loads of flexibility with those two.
Not only would it immediately bolster their weakest unit on the roster, but it would also give Poles much-needed maneuverability going into the draft. It would not instantly force the Bears to draft the best offensive lineman on their board. They could take a player at another position of need if one has a higher grade, such as an edge rusher, defensive tackle, or even a running back. Everything depends on how the board falls. Make no mistake. Poles will have plenty of competition for Smith and Dalman. Lots of other teams need offensive line help. He will need to be ready to pay plenty of money and have a strong recruiting pitch. Having Johnson and Williams present should help his argument. If those people in the league are right, expectations for this team should soar by the end of spring.
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