The Kansas City Chiefs have many key players set for free agency this offseason. However, none may be more vital, or set for a greater payday, than guard Trey Smith. Smith became a steal for the Chiefs after falling in the draft due to medical questions. If he leaves in free agency, the blocker will have finished his K.C. tenure with two Super Bowl wins and three Super Bowl appearances.
Kansas City could very well be looking to retain Trey Smith this offseason. Doing anything to keep the offensive line stout is obvious at the top of everyone's minds after Super Bowl LIX. Can the Chiefs actually keep Smith in red and yellow? We will soon find out.
If Trey Smith does leave, there are plenty of teams that could benefit by adding his services. Here are five obvious non-Chiefs landing spots for him in free agency.
Five teams that make sense for Trey Smith in NFL free agency
1. Chicago Bears
The Chicago Bears appeared to surround quarterback Caleb Williams with an adequate group of pass catchers for his rookie campaign. Yet, none of that truly mattered, because of their offensive line struggles. Getting better protection for Williams as he enters year two is paramount for the Bears. If they land a top free agent like Trey Smith, Chicago could potentially get their young passer to play more under control.
According to Over The Cap, the Bears have $53.97 million in effective salary cap space this offseason. Beyond protecting the passer, Chicago has a connection to Smith in the front office with general manager Ryan Poles. Poles was the Executive Director of Player Personnel in Kansas City during Smith's rookie season. He would receive the Bears' GM gig the following year. If Chicago were to land Trey Smith, they would already gain significant momentum under new head coach Ben Johnson.
2. New England Patriots
New England was viewed as one of the weakest offensive line groups entering the 2024 season. While they improved slightly as the year went on, the Patriots have to find better talent for that blocking unit. Like the Bears, the Patriots have a young QB in Drake Maye and a new head coach in Mike Vrabel. Given how he was as a player and seeing how his run as Tennessee Titans head coach went, Vrabel will highly prioritize the trenches.
The Patriots could easily be aggressive this offseason, thanks to their salary cap space. New England has the most available money in effective cap space at $111.99 million. This team could easily beat out other top offers to secure Smith. With Smith's play style and temperament, he would be exactly what the Patriots need, helping set a new foundation.
3. Minnesota Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings enjoyed a magical season in 2024. Unfortunately, the playoffs were a quick blur for Minnesota. Sam Darnold faced heavy pressure in the Wild Card loss to the Los Angeles Rams. The struggles of the interior offensive line were a major part of that. Overall, the Vikings are set to have interior offensive linemen like Dalton Risner and Dan Feeney reach free agency.
Trey Smith would be a huge upgrade over either of those options for the interior. Minnesota has $55.69 million available in effective cap space, per Over The Cap. No matter which direction they go with at quarterback, Smith can help keep the Vikings offense on course. He could also be a top difference in getting Minnesota over the hump in the early part of the postseason.
4. San Francisco 49ers
Not much went right for the San Francisco 49ers in 2024. The defense regressed. Injuries ravaged the entire roster. The play of the offensive line was completely up and down. The 49ers have not been afraid to pay for free agents at the top of the market. With the offensive line being due for changes, Trey Smith could help refortify their trenches and keep Brock Purdy upright.
San Francisco has $43.3 million in effective cap space. Aaron Banks is set for free agency, as his rookie deal with the 49ers comes to an end. Dominick Puni was a bright spot in 2024 as a rookie. Though, Trent Williams' age and Colton McKivitz's struggles leave San Francisco in a difficult position upfront. Smith would be a safer landing spot for this team to take.
5. Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans "earned" the number one overall pick for the 2025 NFL Draft. A clearer direction is needed in Nashville. Quarterback question marks surround the Titans this offseason. Do they completely move on from Will Levis? Even if he is in the fold, competition will likely be something he is going to have to overcome to see continued playing time.
Someone as polished as Trey Smith would help to mitigate any transition at quarterback. Tennessee has $35.73 million in effective cap space, so they may have a tougher time giving Smith the top offer. There are some interesting connections for this blocker, however. Similar to Poles in Chicago, Mike Borgonzi just left K.C. to join the Titans' front office as general manager. For what it is worth, Trey Smith is also a Tennessee native and played his college football at the University of Tennessee.
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