With a pressing need on the offensive line, Kansas City Chiefs guard Trey Smith has emerged as a top free-agent target for the LA Chargers this offseason. Smith established himself as a top guard in the NFL throughout the 2024 season and could have added to his value with a strong postseason.
Unfortunately, Smith may have done the opposite in the Chiefs' Super Bowl run. Smith turned in a trio of disappointing games that culminated in a truly woeful showing for the Chiefs' offensive line in the Super Bowl. The pass protection fell apart at every turn, and as a result, Patrick Mahomes had arguably the worst game of his career.
Smith is still going to get top-tier guard money but he ruined his chance to increase his value. Furthermore, Smith's porous showing in the Super Bowl may end up scaring away several suitors, including the Chargers.
Chargers may have to re-evaluate Trey Smith in free agency after Super Bowl
Smith logged a 54.9 Pro Football Focus grade for his efforts in the Super Bowl. PFF grades are by no means the end-all, say-all as they are flawed but this sub-60 grade is still indicative of the showing Smith had on the biggest stage.
This follows a trend for Smith in the NFL Playoffs. The 25-year-old right guard recorded a 48.3 grade in the Divisional Round and a 49.5 grade in the AFC Championship. For what it's worth, Smith logged three of his four worst PFF grades in the playoffs with the other bottom showing coming against the Chargers in Week 14.
Smith allowed a combined seven pressures in the Chiefs' three playoff games. He was by no means the biggest issue on the Chiefs' offensive line, but he certainly did not play like a top-tier guard.
Three games do not define a player and just because Smith struggled in the NFL Playoffs does not mean he is a bad guard. However, if a team is going to pay top-tier money for a player it has to be sure without reasonable doubt that it will work out.
After Smith's showing in the NFL Playoffs, it is fair to question if he is worth the $20 million+ per season that he will inevitably get. If the Chargers make the playoffs with Smith, and he turns in this showing again, fans definitely won't think so.
The Chargers may be better off going the cost-effective route and drafting a guard in the 2025 NFL Draft. Or if the team is going to spend in free agency, it may be better to pursue more cost-effective options.