NFL fans may know that offensive linemen often contribute to an offense’s success. While this may be true, it doesn’t necessarily mean they or their dirty work in the trenches are given their proper due. ESPN’s recent list of the offseason’s top 50 NFL free agents does well to acknowledge the contributions paid by Kansas City Chiefs guard Trey Smith. Far from a household name, Smith has been excellent this season, grading out to 78.8 on Pro Football Focus, 14th-best at his position.

ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler believes the team to watch as a possible destination for Smith is the Chicago Bears. “Some inside the league are watching Chicago here,” writes Fowler. “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.”

Our Top 50 NFL free agents – plus the latest buzz on potential landing spots, contract numbers, more. It’s up at ESPN+ @JFowlerESPNhttps://t.co/xq0zvd9Jr2 — Matt Bowen (@MattBowen41) January 29, 2025 A two-time Super Bowl champion, Smith was the Chiefs’ sixth-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. The 6-foot-6, 321-pound lineman was named to his first Pro Bowl in 2024.

Spotrac projects Smith to earn a $19.7 million annual salary. Among guards, that average annual salary would make him the fifth-highest paid player at his position. Kansas City already has $261.8 million allocated toward the 2025 salary cap, with roughly $16.3 million in available cap space.