The Patriots have a tall task ahead of them once free agency begins next month, as the roster needs a lot of improvement before it can be a competitive team again. The Mike Vrabel-led regime is expected to prioritize the biggest positions of need, which is a long list, but the offense will be near the top of the list simply because of quarterback Drake Maye's presence.
The top positions will inevitably be wide receiver and the offensive line, both were among the most noticeable weaknesses during the 2024 season, and fortunately the Patriots have a healthy cap space to utilize to fill those positions.
That opens a lot of doors for them to sign some of the best talent hitting the free agent market, one of whom is current Kansas City Chiefs guard Trey Smith, and pay them top dollar to make the most impactful improvements the roster needs.
In the case of Smith, New England is considered a great suitor for him, at least according to Marcus Mosher of The 33rd Team, which is exactly what the Patriots need to hear with free agency nearing.
The Patriots need to heavily pursue free agents like Trey Smith to make the biggest roster improvements in 2025
Although the Patriots are expected to target offensive linemen in the upcoming draft, they will also need to prioritize the group in free agency. Adding veteran talent to surround Maye will be key to their offensive success in 2025, even if they are able to pick eventual starters from the crop of incoming rookies.
A guy like Smith would be the perfect addition, as he is considered among the best pending free agent linemen and will be highly sought after. The Patriots might have to overpay him to get him in on the team, but the future of Maye will be the reason to do that.
"The top offensive lineman in free agency is none other than Trey Smith, who fell to the sixth round in the 2021 NFL Draft due to some injury concerns. Since being drafted, he has missed just one start in four years and played a total of 79 games, including 13 playoff starts.
He made the Pro Bowl for the first time during the 2024 season and is just 25, which means his best football could still be ahead of him. Considering all of his experience, play, and age, it’s likely that Smith could end up being one of the highest-paid interior offensive linemen in the league after free agency."
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Since joining the Chiefs in 2021, Smith has been the starting right guard and, despite falling in the draft, has been one of the most consistent and productive players at the position. Over the last four seasons, he's allowed just eight sacks (none in 2024) and 20 quarterback hits on 4,434 total snaps, an impressive feat given his job is to protect Patrick Mahomes.
He's had more than his fair share of penalty trouble, which certainly isn't ideal, but that would (hopefully) be something Vrabel and Co. could coach out of him.
Regardless, Smith would be a solid addition to the roster, especially with Maye being the expected priority this offseason. Adding another veteran to the group would be a massive move for the new regime to improve their production, but it won't be cheap if Smith is the guy.