The best NFL team to keep an eye on in free agency for former Tennessee Vols offensive lineman Trey Smith is identified by ESPN.

In the world of professional football, free agency is a pivotal period when teams make strategic moves to bolster their rosters. For players coming from prestigious college football programs, like the University of Tennessee, free agency represents an opportunity for reinvention, financial gain, and the chance to play for a team that aligns with their career aspirations. One such player is Trey Smith, the former standout offensive lineman for the Tennessee Volunteers who has already made waves in the NFL. As free agency looms, Smith’s next destination is a topic of great interest, and ESPN has recently highlighted the best NFL team for him to join in 2025.

This article delves into Trey Smith’s journey, how his time with the Kansas City Chiefs has shaped his career, and why a new home in free agency could be a game-changer for both Smith and the team that decides to acquire him. We’ll explore what makes Smith such a highly sought-after talent and why the NFL team identified by ESPN as the best fit for him is a potential destination worth watching.

1. Trey Smith’s Path to the NFL: A Quick Recap

Before diving into the speculation about his future, it’s important to understand Trey Smith’s journey that led him to where he is today. As an offensive lineman for the Tennessee Volunteers, Smith earned a reputation as one of the best players in college football, impressing scouts and analysts alike with his size, strength, and tenacity. Standing at 6 feet 6 inches and weighing 330 pounds, Smith was a physical presence on the field. His ability to dominate defenders in both the run and pass game made him a highly regarded prospect leading up to the 2021 NFL Draft.

Smith had an impressive career at Tennessee, showcasing his ability to play multiple positions on the offensive line. He was a force in both the passing and running game and received several accolades during his college career. However, Smith’s draft stock took a hit due to medical concerns related to blood clots, which led him to fall to the Kansas City Chiefs in the sixth round of the 2021 NFL Draft.

Despite the concerns, Smith’s upside was undeniable, and the Chiefs saw an opportunity to bring in a high-potential lineman who could develop into a key piece of their offensive line. In Kansas City, Smith made an immediate impact. He started his rookie season and became a staple in their offensive line for years to come, showing that the decision to draft him, despite the medical uncertainty, was a wise one.

2. Trey Smith’s Impact with the Kansas City Chiefs

Smith’s time with the Kansas City Chiefs has been nothing short of a success story. Since joining the team, Smith has become a cornerstone of their offensive line, contributing to the success of one of the most dynamic offenses in NFL history. His strong, physical play has helped protect Patrick Mahomes and pave the way for a high-powered offense that regularly ranks among the best in the league.

During his tenure with the Chiefs, Smith has been a regular starter and has shown his ability to play at an elite level. He has excelled in both pass protection and run blocking, displaying his versatility and understanding of the game. Smith’s efforts have helped the Chiefs maintain one of the most productive offenses in the league, and his leadership has been an asset to the unit.

However, as we approach the 2025 season, it’s unclear what the future holds for Smith with the Chiefs. While he’s been a key contributor, the NFL’s landscape is ever-changing, and teams are constantly evolving their rosters to stay competitive. As Smith enters free agency, he finds himself in a position where he could explore new opportunities with other teams. ESPN has recently highlighted the best team for him to join during this period of transition.

3. Why ESPN Identified the Best NFL Team for Trey Smith in Free Agency

When looking at Trey Smith’s potential in free agency, ESPN pointed to a team that could greatly benefit from his skill set and could help take his career to the next level. While Smith is already a highly accomplished player, his best years may still lie ahead, and the right team could give him the opportunity to fully showcase his talents and continue to develop as a top-tier offensive lineman.

3.1 The Team: The New York Giants

According to ESPN, the New York Giants are the best team to keep an eye on for Trey Smith’s free agency. This is a decision that might raise some eyebrows for fans of other teams, but the reasoning behind it is rooted in the Giants’ current needs and their overall offensive line outlook. Let’s take a closer look at why the Giants are being identified as a strong landing spot for Smith.

3.2 The Giants’ Need for Offensive Line Help

The New York Giants have long struggled with consistency on their offensive line. Over the past few seasons, they’ve faced issues with both pass protection and run blocking, often hindering the growth of their quarterbacks and running backs. The team has made efforts to address these issues through the draft and free agency, but their offensive line remains one of the weaker units in the NFL.

With Daniel Jones under center, the Giants need to provide him with more protection to fully unlock his potential. Additionally, the Giants’ offense has been undergoing a rebuilding process, with young players like Saquon Barkley and Jones needing a reliable offensive line to open up running lanes and give the passing game time to develop. Adding a player like Trey Smith could go a long way in stabilizing the offensive line.

Smith’s ability to dominate both in the run game and as a pass protector would be invaluable for the Giants. He has the physical attributes to excel in both of these areas, and his work ethic and experience would add to the overall depth and talent of New York’s offensive front.

3.3 A Scheme Fit for Trey Smith

One of the key factors that makes the Giants a strong potential fit for Smith is their offensive scheme. Under head coach Brian Daboll, the Giants have embraced a more balanced approach, mixing both power running and efficient passing. Daboll’s system requires offensive linemen who are not only able to protect the quarterback in passing situations but also move defenders off the ball in the running game.

Smith’s ability to block in both of these areas would be a perfect match for the Giants’ scheme. Known for his strength and powerful play, he would be an asset in a system that leans on the offensive line to control the line of scrimmage. His ability to push defenders around in the running game and provide a strong pocket for Jones would give the Giants a more balanced and explosive offense moving forward.

Additionally, Trey Smith’s versatility is another reason he could fit in well with the Giants. While he has primarily played guard in the NFL, he has the potential to be moved around depending on the team’s needs. Whether as a guard or potentially even as a tackle, Smith’s skill set allows for flexibility, and the Giants would be able to utilize him in the best way to maximize his talents.

3.4 The Giants’ Cap Space and Need for Veterans

Another important factor in the Giants’ pursuit of Trey Smith is their cap space and the need for veteran players to help stabilize their young offense. The Giants are in a position to make some key acquisitions during free agency, and adding a veteran like Smith would bring both experience and stability to their offensive line. Smith’s experience in protecting one of the NFL’s most dynamic quarterbacks, Patrick Mahomes, would provide the Giants with a steady and reliable presence on the front line.

Moreover, Smith’s leadership and work ethic would be valuable in helping develop younger offensive linemen, particularly as the Giants continue to rebuild their offensive line. The team’s coaching staff would likely view Smith as a cornerstone piece who could help elevate the performance of the entire unit.

4. What Trey Smith Brings to the Table

While Trey Smith’s potential landing with the Giants seems promising, it’s important to note exactly what he brings to the table. Smith has the ability to be a force on the field, and any team that acquires him will benefit from his skills and leadership. Below are some of the key attributes that make Smith such an enticing free-agent target:

4.1 Strength and Power

One of the standout features of Trey Smith as a player is his raw strength. He has the ability to overpower defenders, both in the running and passing games. Whether it’s creating running lanes for the backfield or protecting the quarterback in crucial moments, Smith’s physicality is one of his most valuable traits.

4.2 Pass Protection and Run Blocking

Smith has proven that he can protect the quarterback in the passing game while also dominating in the run game. His versatility in these areas will make him a key player for any offensive line looking to improve both aspects of their game.

4.3 Leadership and Experience

At Tennessee, Smith was known as a leader both on and off the field. His experience in high-pressure situations, particularly in big games, makes him an ideal addition to a team looking for veteran presence. He can help younger players develop while also performing at a high level.