The New England Patriots’ offseason outlook has been positively impacted by significant news regarding Kansas City Chiefs guard Trey Smith. According to Nate Taylor of The Athletic, Smith is “not expected” to receive the franchise or transition tag before the 2025 NFL Free Agency period begins, making him an intriguing potential target for New England. The Patriots have long needed to address their offensive line, and this development provides an opportunity to make a key addition. With a young franchise quarterback entering his second season, improving the offensive line is crucial for New England’s long-term success.
Trey Smith, who has been a consistent starter for the Chiefs, brings significant experience to the table. Over his four seasons in Kansas City, Smith has started 67 regular-season games and 13 playoff games, showcasing his durability and reliability. His availability in free agency is a chance the Patriots cannot afford to overlook, especially considering the team gave up the fifth-most sacks in the NFL during the previous season, allowing 52. Smith’s steady presence on the offensive line would be a welcome addition to a unit that struggled last season.
Last year, the Patriots’ interior offensive line was primarily composed of Layden Robinson at left guard and Mike Onwenu at right guard. Robinson, a fourth-round pick in the previous draft, was thrown into the starting lineup early in the season after Cole Strange replaced David Andrews, who sustained an injury. While Andrews’ return to the Patriots has not been officially confirmed, there has been speculation surrounding his potential role in the 2025 lineup. Andrews expressed his desire to remain in New England as the season ended, but it remains unclear how his potential return will impact the overall offensive line composition.
With the possibility of a strong and experienced player like Trey Smith entering free agency, the Patriots must seriously consider bolstering their offensive line to provide better protection for their young quarterback and ensure the team’s success moving forward.