In a strategic move to strengthen their offensive line, the Chicago Bears have signed veteran guard Will Fries, formerly of the Indianapolis Colts. This acquisition comes on the heels of the Bears missing out on Kansas City Chiefs guard Trey Smith, who was retained by his team during free agency.
The Pursuit of Trey Smith
The Bears entered the 2025 offseason with a clear objective: to upgrade their offensive line, particularly the interior positions. Trey Smith, a standout guard for the Chiefs, was at the top of their wishlist. Smith’s performance in recent seasons had solidified his reputation as one of the premier guards in the league, making him a highly sought-after free agent. However, the Chiefs recognized his value and moved swiftly to retain him, placing the franchise tag on Smith, effectively removing him from the free-agent market.
Pivoting to Will Fries
With Smith off the table, the Bears’ front office, led by General Manager Ryan Poles, had to adjust their strategy. Their attention turned to Will Fries, a versatile and experienced guard who had been making notable strides with the Indianapolis Colts. Fries, entering his age-27 season, had shown consistent improvement throughout his rookie contract, particularly in the 2023 and 2024 seasons. Across 22 starts during those years, Fries allowed only five sacks in 779 pass-blocking attempts and was flagged just twice, demonstrating both reliability and discipline on the field.
Fries’ 2024 Season and Injury
The 2024 season began on a high note for Fries. In the first five games, he earned an impressive Pro Football Focus (PFF) offensive grade of 86.9, ranking third among all guards, trailing only his teammate Quenton Nelson and the Pittsburgh Steelers’ James Daniels. Unfortunately, his momentum was halted by a fractured right tibia sustained in Week 5 against the Jacksonville Jaguars, sidelining him for the remainder of the season.
The Bears’ Assessment and Decision
Despite the injury, the Bears’ coaching staff and medical team conducted thorough evaluations and were confident in Fries’ recovery and potential contribution to the team. His age, combined with his demonstrated skill set and work ethic, made him an attractive option to fill the void in the Bears’ offensive line. The decision to sign Fries reflects the organization’s commitment to building a resilient and effective offensive front to protect their quarterback and enhance their running game.
Ryan Poles’ Vision for the Offensive Line
General Manager Ryan Poles has been transparent about the team’s focus during this free agency period. In an interview on NFL Daily with Gregg Rosenthal, Poles emphasized the importance of addressing the interior offensive line positions. He acknowledged the challenges faced in the previous season and expressed a determined approach to securing talent that aligns with the team’s offensive philosophy. The signing of Fries is a testament to this strategic direction, aiming to bring stability and improved performance to the line.