Kansas City’s Loss: Chief’s Break-Out Star Eyeing Exit, Lions Loom as Destination
When the Kansas City Chiefs drafted guard Trey Smith in the sixth round of the 2021 NFL Draft, they were just hoping he’d become a serviceable backup or starter. However, Smith has turned into much more than that.
Smith was an immediate impact player in his first season in the NFL, and since then he has developed into a top-flight starter and one of the best guards in the entire league.
But Smith is now in the final year of his $3.6 million rookie contract and is going to garner a ton of interest on the free-agent market, assuming he makes it there and doesn’t get franchise-tagged or extended before then.
One potential suitor could be the Detroit Lions, a team that may have a hole to fill at at guard in 2025. Bleacher Report’s Scouting Department believes Smith may end up in Motown next year.
As B/R points out, the Lions may have to replace Zeitler in 2025, as he’s slated to hit free agency. Zeitler has been excellent for the Lions this season, but due to the fact that he’ll be a free agent and is turning 35, there’s no guarantee he’ll return.
Smith would be a fantastic replacement, as the 25-year-old would be a long-term solution and an upgrade at the position. He would give Detroit an embarrassment of riches upfront when you consider the other four top-notch starters Detroit has.
While the Lions do have the cap space to pay the top dollar it would cost to bring Smith in, there’s a good chance they won’t make such a move. The Lions have a lot of money wrapped up in their offensive line and elsewhere already and could look to go the less expensive route.
Detroit could just bring Zeitler back for another season and then draft a guard of the future. The Lions also have 2024 sixth-round pick Christian Mahogany, who presents another possible long-term answer on the interior.
