One of the top players scheduled to hit free agency won’t reach the open market, after all.
The Kansas City Chiefs will be placing the franchise tag on guard Trey Smith, as first reported by FOX Sports’ Jordan Schultz on Thursday. Kansas City will try to work out a long-term deal with Smith, but using the franchise tag on Smith gives the two sides more time to work out a deal.
ESPN ranked Smith as its No. 2 impending free agent this offseason.
The New England Patriots were thought to be a potential fit for Smith given their need to improve the offensive line. Improving the group up front is something New England intends to “prioritize” in free agency, according to The Athletic’s Chad Graff.
Smith, however, played every one of his snaps at right guard the last four seasons, per Pro Football Focus.
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While the Patriots have plenty of holes along the offensive line, the one position it feels they don’t need to address is right guard. Michael Onwenu feels penciled in to retain the position heading into the future, though the versatile Onwenu might have been able to move from right guard to right tackle if New England added Smith.
It seems that’s no longer a conversation the Patriots need to have, however.
Featured image via Denny Medley/Imagn Images
