Kansas City Chiefs guard Trey Smith is one of the best players at his position, and the impending free agent should earn a massive payday on the open market. A sixth-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, the Tennessee product immediately overcame his pedestrian draft capital to establish himself as one of the greatest steals of the Brett Veach Era. While he has yet to make a Pro Bowl, the oft-overlooked starter combined with Joe Thuney and Creed Humphrey to form the best interior offensive line in football. Unfortunately, he may have played his way out of Kansas City, as ESPN believes the reigning Super Bowl champions won’t be able to afford him.
According to Matt Bowen and Jeremy Fowler, the Carolina Panthers could indirectly be the reason for Smith’s impending departure. In a recent article, Fowler points out that the Panthers set the guard market when they gave Robert Hunt a $100 million deal last March. Smith will want to beat this number, and Bowen says the four-year veteran “should reset the market.” The talent-loaded Chiefs probably don’t have the financial resources to hand out another nine-figure contract, but a team like the Los Angeles Chargers or New England Patriots could.
Chiefs Could Lose Impending Free Agent Trey Smith – Chargers, Patriots Top Destinations
The Los Angeles Chargers spent the 2024 offseason digging their way out of salary cap hell, and they should reap the rewards in 2025. Currently headed towards a playoff birth and projected to have $75.1 million in 2025 salary cap space, Los Angeles should be an attractive free agent destination for big-name players like Trey Smith. With head coach Jim Harbaugh running the show, look for the team to build within the trenches as he reshapes the team in his image.
Nobody believes in the power of the run game more than Harbaugh, which means he could use a sizable percentage of the available cap space to shore up the offensive line. First-round pick Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater already form one of the best tackle duos in football, but the interior line needs more work. Zion Johnson is a fine starter, but Trey Pipkins is an active liability. Adding Trey Smith to the mix should give the Chargers the most complete offensive line in football that should create wide-open rushing lanes while giving Justin Herbert ample time to find Ladd McConkey and the Chargers weapons in the passing game.
Building Around Drake Maye
The New England Patriots have their quarterback of the future in first-round pick Drake Maye. Now, they must give him the tools to succeed. Finding the quarterback is easily the most important part of any rebuild, but New England won’t return to the playoffs without an improved offensive line. Mike Onwenu is at his best playing guard, but the other four positions could use an upgrade. Sidy Sow regressed after a promising rookie season, while fourth-round pick Layden Robinson has not played well in limited opportunities. With former first-round pick Cole Strange possibly moving to center, Trey Smith could fill the vacated guard spot.
After passively sitting out free agency in 2024, New England has an absurd $130 million in 2025 cap space, and top free agents should look forward to playing with an exciting quarterback like Maye. While the Chiefs might be the NFL’s current dynasty, the Patriots have more money and should use their resources to ensure their franchise quarterback stays healthy and upright throughout his NFL career.
Main Photo: Denny Medley – USA Today Sports
