He's a proven commodity so that if the JT switch to LT doesn't pan out they still have a left tackle on the roster. Gives coach multiple options to try and find the best combination and raise the floor for the level of protection for #15. All without breaking the bank. [Reply]
A solid, unspectacular signing to just bolster the depth of the tackle situation.
because of this...
Smith, 29, had one of his worst seasons as a starter in 2022, with a pass rush win rate of 78.3% and a run block win rate of 64.9%. He also dealt with elbow and foot injuries during the 2022 season, causing him to miss four regular-season games.
A second-round draft pick by the Buccaneers in 2015, Smith went on to start 124 regular-season games -- sixth-most of any offensive lineman in the league from 2015 to 2022. [Reply]
Veach will never let the offensive line ruin a season again. Not only from our experience with it. But I think he sees the bills and bengals going through it as well.
If you were to ask him on his preference for next year I think it would be Taylor at LT and Morris is ready to go at RT. But he’s also realistic. He’s going to play the best combination with Smith being insurance on Morris/Niang aren’t ready or Taylor doesn’t transition as easy as we hope [Reply]
He probably came cheap enough that the Chiefs thought they should add him just because they can. It might be a reflection on the front office's thoughts of the current roster, but it could just as easily be a deal where they had a value opportunity and took it to add depth and competition. [Reply]