David Banks/Imagn Images

3 Free Agent Targets for Bears Following Ben Johnson Hire

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jordan J. Wilson | Last updated Jan 22, 2025 2:36 PM ET

The Chicago Bears have named former Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson their new head coach for the 2025 NFL season, hoping he will lead them back into playoff contention.

During the 2025 NFL offseason, the Bears will also have immense potential to retool their roster to Johnson's specifications with the fifth-most salary-cap space — roughly $66 million — in the NFL.

Johnson is a big fan of Bears quarterback Caleb Williams, so it should come as no surprise building around him will be a primary focus.

At the same time, the Bears must formulate a plan of attack for 2025 NFL free agency that both helps them secure quality talent and sets them up for success with their selections in the 2025 NFL draft.

Here are three free-agent targets who should top their list:

1. Trey Smith, RG, Kansas City Chiefs

Smith could be the crown jewel of the 2025 free agency class if the Chiefs do not sign him to a new contract. The former undrafted free agent has developed into one of the NFL's best guards protecting Patrick Mahomes over the past four seasons, allowing zero sacks and just five quarterback hits on 708 pass-blocking snaps in 2024.

While Smith could cost $20 million or more annually, the Bears should have no problem forking it to get Williams a high-quality bodyguard.

Prediction: Bears sign Smith to a five-year, $105 million contract

2. Malcolm Koonce, EDGE, Las Vegas Raiders

The Bears could take bigger swings at edge rusher in free agency with guys like Josh Sweat, Chase Young, Haason Reddick and Khalil Mack available, but Koonce might fit their vision better.

The 26-year-old did not play in 2024 after suffering a season-ending knee injury three days before the season opener, but he played the best ball of his career for the Raiders in 2023, racking up eight sacks, 17 quarterback hits and three forced fumbles in 17 games.

Chicago could go in a different direction if it wants another heavy-hitter opposite Montez Sweat, but a short-term investment in Koonce would provide a veteran partner for Sweat while also leaving room to develop younger talent, such as Austin Booker or a rookie pick.

Prediction: Bears sign Koonce to a two-year, $34 million contract.

3. Drew Dalman, C, Atlanta Falcons

Surprise, surprise — another offensive lineman for the Bears. Dalman lost some games to an injury in 2024, but he still played more than 500 snaps at center and earned a pair of top-5 grades from Pro Football Focus as an overall (78.8) and run-blocking center (79.8).

While Dalman has room to grow in pass protection, he is a reliable snapper with a veteran mindset and an absolute force in the run game. And with the 2025 draft class looking weaker at center, he would provide some much-needed stability to Chicago's interior.

Prediction: Bears sign Dalman to a three-year, $33 million contract

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: