The Trey Smith situation is a tricky one to navigate for the Kansas City Chiefs this offseason. He turned into a homegrown stud at right guard. When he, Creed Humphrey, and Joe Thuney are all aligned in the interior, not many teams have an interior trio better than that. Yet, Kansas City could easily be forced to replace him in that interior spot.
Kansas City has many spots that are worth upgrading on. Add in the spots that will be filled by replacements, and the Chiefs have to act urgently this offseason. There are some smart options, as well as some gambles, available at guard in free agency this year. Here are three veteran free agent guards that K.C. could pivot to if Trey Smith does go elsewhere.
1. Kevin Zeitler
Kevin Zeitler has moved around a good amount in his career. Seemingly his entire career, he has either been part of offenses looking to improve or part of contenders. Ironically, the Chiefs offense fits both of those elements. Zeitler went to the Detroit Lions last year after three years with Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens.
Zeitler graded out as a better run blocker last year, via Pro Football Focus. However, their database has consistently given him strong pass blocking efficiency grades in most seasons throughout his career. That could bode well if he joined an offense like Kansas City's. He is a bit older than most free agents that general manager Brett Veach goes after. Yet, the track record on this veteran guard is one that has been worth betting on for a long time.
2. Brandon Scherff
Like Zeitler, Brandon Scherff is a free agent guard above the age of 30. He may not have many years left in his career. Though, Scherff is a type of player that the Chiefs could lean on near the end of his run. His 2024 campaign was actually pretty consistent to what he had done his first two years in Jacksonville. Scherff easily graded better in pass protection, with Pro Football Focus giving him 74.5 pass blocking grade.
His run blocking grades were not anything to write home about during his Jaguars tenure. As an older free agent, it is important to note that he stayed relatively healthy during his time in Jacksonville, starting all of the possible 51 games over the last three years. Scherff is still a very capable starter that Kansas City could look to depend on.
3. Ben Bredeson
Ben Bredeson may not hold the same name value as the two other guards mentioned above. Yet, the guard became a perfect bargain signing for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on a one-year deal last year. He started in all 17 games and helped turn around the Bucs' offensive line in 2024. The running game is one area where Tampa Bay took a massive jump, compared to the year before.
Bredeson is entering his prime age. He could very well be looking for a multi-year commitment after getting that one-year deal last year. If the Chiefs are truly interested, it would be a longer offer, compared to what Zeitler or Scherff may command. Even if Bredeson does not grab as much headlines, this is a move that could help Kansas City eat their vegetables, so to speak, as the offense looks to possibly evolve.