The Chicago Bears are all set to turn the page after the wild, chaotic ride they were on in the season 2024. Sure, Caleb Williams dazzled in his rookie year, rewriting the team’s QB records. But it also got cursed by glaring weaknesses at the O-line. Man, a league-high 68 sacks ain’t something Chicago ever wanted to see. That’s the kind of stat the team watched through their fingers, helplessly praying for Caleb to survive another Sunday. The calls for change were loud, the pressure on the front office even louder. Fans didn’t just want tweaks, they wanted a full-blown overhaul. And now, finally that first domino has fallen with Ben Johnson showing up.

The Bears have officially finalized their 2025 coaching staff, and it all starts with none other than Ben Johnson as their HC. We know him from his offensive creativity with the Detroit Lions. He has quickly built a reputation as one of the sharpest young minds in football. Now, he’s up to unlock the full potential of second-year QB Caleb Williams and turn this offense into something dangerous.

Backing him up is a squad of serious talent. Dennis Allen steps in as defensive coordinator, bringing a reputation for building aggressive, hard-hitting defenses. On the offensive side, Declan Doyle takes over as OC, ready to team up with Johnson to create a dynamic, QB-friendly game plan that lets Caleb shine. And holding things down, Richard Hightower returns as special teams coordinator sticking around to keep one of the Bears’ most solid units running smoothly with kick coverage, punt returns, and field goals. It’s a fresh start, packed with potential.

This coaching staff isn’t just about big names, they want to fix what’s broken. Ben Johnson knows the Bears can’t keep rolling out the same mess from last season, especially on their offense. His game plan is to keep it balanced, speed up the reads, and build a scheme that actually plays to Caleb Williams’ strengths. We all saw how the kid was running for his life out there last year. On defense, Dennis Allen is all about bringing the heat, dialing up pressure, and forcing turnovers. But at the end of the day, everyone’s locked in on one thing, which is to protect Caleb Williams. Bears’ success hinges on giving their QB time, and space, and letting him cook.

With the coaching staff in place, it’s time for the next big move – free agency and the offensive line is the top priority. After allowing a league-high 68 sacks, GM Ryan Poles knows it’s time to get serious about beefing up that protection at the offensive front, and the free agent market offers an opportunity to land a true difference-maker. The Chiefs’ powerhouse guard Trey Smith just hit the market, and word around Halas Hall is that the Bears have their eyes on him. Could he be the guy to finally fix the O-line and give Caleb the protection he deserves? Bears fans sure hope so!

Trey Smith in Ben Johnson’s Strategy

Let’s be real, no QB can survive getting sacked so many times in a season without some serious battle scars. Caleb Williams has flashbacks of his rookie year, but the constant pressure he faced derailed drives, limited play-calling options, and put his health at risk. The Bears know they can’t repeat that nightmare in 2025. Protecting their QB isn’t just a goal, it’s non-negotiable. That’s why the front office is laser-focused on finding a top-tier lineman who can make an immediate impact.

Enter Trey Smith. The Kansas City powerhouse guard is hitting the free-agency market as the Chiefs have decided not to use franchise, transition tags on him. It’s a move that’s got teams, including the Bears, on high alert. Smith ain’t just another lineman, he’s a 2x Super Bowl champion, a Pro Bowler, and one of the nastiest run-blockers in the NFL. At 6’6” and 321 pounds, he’s built to bulldoze defenders and anchor an offensive line. He has been a key part of Patrick Mahomes’ protection unit, and now he’s available for the taking.

So, how is Trey Smith the perfect fit for Chicago? For starters, he brings exactly what the Bears need, superior interior protection and a physical presence that can open up the run game. Pairing him with right tackle Darnell Wright would instantly strengthen the right side of the line, creating a solid wall to shield Caleb Williams from interior pressure. Smith’s versatility also fits seamlessly into Ben Johnson’s offensive scheme, which relies on strong guard play for both pass protection and creating lanes in the running game. Simply put, Smith could be the anchor the Bears have been missing.

Of course, signing Trey Smith won’t come cheap. Reports suggest his next deal could land in the ballpark of $105 million over five years—a hefty investment. But for a team that just watched its franchise QB get sacked nearly 70 times, it’s an investment worth making. The Bears have the cap space and the motivation to pull the trigger. Bringing Smith to Chicago could not only transform the offensive line but also accelerate Caleb Williams’ development, turning the Bears into legitimate playoff contenders.

At the end of the day, franchise-defining moves don’t come around often. The Bears have already laid the groundwork by bringing in a forward-thinking coaching staff. Now, it’s about making the bold decisions that could reshape the team’s future. Landing Trey Smith would be one of those moves—a statement that the Bears aren’t just planning for the future, they’re ready to win now.