At least the Chiefs didn’t wait until the 11th hour to change the look of free agency for the second year in a row.

There are still a few players that the Bears could look at and would be solid to add to their line to help protect Caleb Williams.

The Chicago Bears were hoping offensive guard Trey Smith would be on the market when free agency started on March 12. However, the Kansas City Chiefs announced on Thursday they are applying the franchise tag on the star offensive guard.

Chiefs general manager Brett Veach expressed interest in keeping the core players together during his press conference Tuesday at the NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis. He firmly believes that Travis Kelce will return in 2025 and has already moved to retain a key member of the offense in Smith.

The Vikings not only lose out on a top target at the position, but the Chiefs' move also makes the market increasingly competitive to sign any remaining free agents. Smith was in

Chiefs offensive guard Trey Smith has signed the franchise tag, Ian Rapoport of NFL Media reports. Smith will make $23.402 million fully guaranteed if he doesn't sign a long-term deal before July 15.