Patriots Eyeing Trey Smith as Key Free Agency Move

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — The New England Patriots are facing a pivotal offseason in their quest to bolster an offensive line that has already come under fire. With the 2025 NFL Draft approaching and multiple gaps to fill, all eyes are on potential free-agent acquisitions, particularly starting right guard Trey Smith.

Smith, a standout player from the Kansas City Chiefs, recently caught the attention of analysts like Robert Zeglinski from USA Today, who argued that the Patriots should prioritize acquiring him. “Acquiring Smith would make him the crown jewel of New England’s latest contention project,” Zeglinski wrote. “As someone the gifted Drake Maye could count on for the foreseeable future, Smith would be the first young offensive lineman on the active Patriots roster worth building around.”

The Patriots own the fourth overall pick in the upcoming draft, leaving open the possibility of selecting a highly-rated tackle like LSU‘s Will Campbell to protect Maye’s blind side. However, left tackle isn’t the only issue in the trenches; the entire offensive line is in need of improvement.

Smith, who stands 6-foot-6 and weighs 322 pounds, is entering the free-agent market after earning his first Pro Bowl selection this past season. Despite his individual success, Smith had a disappointing performance during the playoffs and in the Super Bowl, which may impact his market value. Nonetheless, his age—he turns 25 this offseason—positions him well for a significant contract as teams look to enhance their offensive lines.

Selected by the Chiefs in the sixth round of the 2021 NFL Draft from the University of Tennessee, Smith quickly became a starter in his rookie year. His rapid ascent in the NFL has marked him as a promising option for teams looking to bolster their offensive fronts.

As the Patriots prepare for what could be a demanding offseason, the potential acquisition of Smith looms large. The team has the salary cap space necessary to make moves and appears poised to invest significantly in its offensive line needs. If they can successfully land Smith, it would greatly aid Maye’s development as the franchise quarterback.

“The Patriots desperately need to upgrade their offensive line around Drake Maye,” Camenker wrote, highlighting Smith as the top free-agent blocker available. As speculation mounts, Patriots fans eagerly await what changes lie ahead as the team seeks to regain its competitive edge.