Top offensive guard could be available for Bears in free agency

The Chicago Bears made a splash hiring Ben Johnson as their new head coach, but there's still plenty of work for general manager Ryan Poles to improve this roster.

No doubt the biggest focal point will be improving the offensive line, where the Bears essentially have four starting jobs to fill beside right tackle Darnell Wright. Luckily, they have the resources to get it done starting with free agency, where a top interior lineman is trending toward hitting the open market.

During an appearance on the CHGO Bears Podcast, ESPN's Field Yates said he believes Kansas City Chiefs right guard Trey Smith to hit free agency. While you'd figure their young, top guard would be a candidate for the franchise tag, Yates doesn't expect that given the number of Chiefs players getting top-of-the-market money at their positions.

Yates also noted Smith is a name to watch for the Bears, which makes sense given they have two starting guard positions to fill this offseason.

Smith will no doubt be a top-five player should he hit free agency, and the Bears should throw everything they have at him. Smith, 25, didn't allow a single sack this season (in 742 pass-blocking reps). He's also managed to stay on the field missing just one game in four years.

During his introductory press conference, Johnson stressed the importance of shoring up the offensive line, which allowed 68 sacks on Caleb Williams during his rookie season.

“I think the offensive line is certainly an area that we need to get better play from going forward," Johnson said. "Something that Ryan and I have already talked about. We will develop a plan of attack for how to get that done, but I'm looking forward to getting an excellent offensive line coach into the building to help develop the young talent that we already have on the roster. We will certainly talk about acquiring talent to bolster that unit, as well."

If the Bears were to land Smith, it would be a huge get for this team and help shore up the offensive line in a big way.

This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Top offensive guard could be available for Bears in free agency