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NFL executive predicts that Trey Smith will reunite with former Tennessee Vols teammate in free agency

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Zach Ragan | Last updated Jan 21, 2025 12:01 PM ET

Former Tennessee Vols offensive lineman Trey Smith will be a free agent for the first time in his NFL career when the new league year begins in March.

And Smith, who is currently in his fourth season with the Kansas City Chiefs, is likely going to receive a huge pay day.

The former Vol is expected to become the highest paid guard in the NFL, which means it's unlikely that Kansas City will be able to re-sign him.

One NFL executive predicted this week (via ESPN) that the Chicago Bears will be the team that signs Smith this offseason.

The NFL executive noted that he thinks Smith is "far and away" the best guard option for the Bears.

From ESPN: Chicago is all-in on improving its offense with the hiring of Ben Johnson as head coach. High on general manager Ryan Poles' list of improvements will be an underachieving offensive line. Chiefs free agent guard Trey Smith could be an immediate fit.

"They need help there at guard after the Nate Davis fiasco, and Trey is far and away the best option," an NFL personnel evaluator said. "And they probably need more than him."

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Landing in Chicago would reunite Smith with offensive lineman Darnell Wright.

Wright, a first round selection by the Bears in the 2023 NFL Draft, played with Smith at Tennessee in 2019 and 2020. During those two seasons together at Tennessee, Wright started 14 games and Smith started 22 games.

Chicago would be an intriguing landing spot for Smith. The Bears are in a tough division -- the NFC North might be the best overall division in the NFC -- but they're a team that's considered "on the rise" with Caleb Williams at quarterback and Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson as the franchise's new head coach. Chicago has the potential to take off in the next couple of years.

Regardless of where Smith lands, there's no doubt that the former Vol deserves to get paid. Smith has started 78 games for the Chiefs over the last four seasons (including the playoffs) and he's earned just $6.5 million during that time (Smith has won two Super Bowls with the Chiefs during his four seasons with the team and could win a third this season). The former Vol has been an incredible bargain for Kansas City, but it's time for him to get the pay day he more than deserves.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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