• The Jaguars will have a chance to go after one of the top guards in this year’s free agency.
Jan 26, 2025; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs guard Trey Smith (65) against the Buffalo Bills in the AFC Championship game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
The Jacksonville Jaguars have several needs this offseason, but beefing up the offensive line should be at the top of their priority list. Fortunately, they’ll have no shortage of options in free agency or the draft to get it done. And if the Jags want to spare no expense, they could go after Kansas City Chiefs right guard Trey Smith.
Nate Taylor of The Athletic reports that the Chiefs don’t plan to put the franchise tag on Smith. So unless they reach a long-term agreement before free agency, he’ll hit the open market.
Report: Chiefs are not expected to franchise or transition tag Trey Smith. https://t.co/ojoXXuDAcL
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) February 19, 2025
Now, many things could happen between now and free agency, but if Smith leaves Kansas City, he’ll be one of the top guards available.
A sixth-round pick in 2021, Smith entered the NFL with medical concerns after dealing with a blood clot. However, he’s had no setbacks at any point the past four years and has turned into a mainstay of the Kansas City offensive trenches. Since his rookie campaign, the former Tennessee Vol has given up just 10 sacks and no more than two in any of the past four seasons. Moreover, he’s never posted Pro Football Focus run grades lower than 70.0.
Simply put, Smith will be an appealing choice for teams in need of guard help. In fact, he’s been linked to the New England Patriots and the Chicago Bears. Both clubs need to bolster the position and have a significant amount of cap space, so they can give him a top-market contract.
Why Trey Smith could be a top target for the Jaguars in free agency
Right guard Brandon Scherff is slated to become a free agent. Although he’s been dependable the past three years, he’s not the player he was during his stint with the Washington Commanders. Add the fact that he’s 33, and it’s hard to see the Jacksonville Jaguars re-signing him, let alone use the franchise tag.
If Scherff does leave, right guard will be one of the biggest needs for Jacksonville this offseason. There’s no doubt that Smith would immediately fill it, but he won’t come cheap. In fact, he could command an annual average of $20 million in the open market.
The Jags could afford him if they create a bit of cap space — they currently have $31 million — but if they lock him up, they may not be able to make any additional signings. Mekhi Becton would be another intriguing option, but the team’s brass may want to wait until the draft to find a potential replacement for Brandon Scherff.
This isn’t to say that Trey Smith wouldn’t be a great addition to the offensive line. He would be, but other teams will be in a better position to make a run for him. Moreover, there will be plenty of offensive guard talent in on Day 2 and early on Day 3 of the draft, so Jacksonville may be better off waiting.
The bottom line is that the Jacksonville Jaguars would get younger at right guard if they signed Trey Smith, but it might not make sense to sign him from a financial standpoint, even if he’s worth every cent he gets.
