There aren’t enough reliable offensive tackles to go around, and free agent Donovan Smith might be the best player remaining on the market. A second-round pick in the 2015 NFL Draft, the Penn State product used to be one of the league’s more reliable blockers. However, age caught up to the veteran, as the 31-year-old struggled in the past two seasons. Smith was a turnstile during Tom Brady’s final season in 2022, and a change of scenery did no good in 2023. Starting in 12 games for the Kansas City Chiefs, Smith finished the season with a 57.8 PFF grade, the 61st-best mark out of 81 eligible players.
The present-day version of Donovan Smith is nobody’s idea of an ideal starter, but the free agent could be the best choice for the New England Patriots. According to Ben Volin of The Boston Globe, the Patriots will “turn their full attention” to acquiring offensive tackle depth. With Mike Onwenu currently playing guard, New England might have the worst collection of offensive tackles in the league. Smith is the best option on the market, but could the Patriots lose him to the Kansas City Chiefs or the New Orleans Saints?
Free Agent Donovan Smith Could Sign With Patriots
If the Chiefs wanted to sign Donovan Smith as a free agent, they probably would’ve done so by now. The veteran spent the 2023 season with the reigning Super Bowl champions, so the organization knows exactly what he brings to the table. Right now, Kansas City seems content with having Wanya Morris and second-round pick Kingsley Suamataia battle for the starting left tackle job. Perhaps the youngsters are up for the task, but it wouldn’t hurt to have some insurance.
The Chiefs have arguably the NFL’s best interior offensive line in Trey Smith, Creed Humphrey, and Joe Thuney. The tackle situation, however, leaves a lot to be desired. Big-money free agent Jawaan Taylor had an abysmal season, finishing the year with a 49.8 PFF grade, the 72nd-best mark in the league. His massive contract ensures the team has to deal with him for at least one more season, so both tackle positions could be a liability in 2024. Perhaps Donovan Smith has nothing left in his tank, but it can’t hurt to kick the tires on the free agent.
Protect Carr At All Costs
Speaking of poor tackle situations, Derek Carr might not survive the 2024 campaign. Perhaps first-round pick Taliese Fuaga can make an impact from Day 1, but he can’t fix this entire offensive line. Ryan Ramczyk is done for the season, which means first-round bust Trevor Penning will start, barring a Donovan Smith free agent signing. Despite his draft capital, Penning has failed to make a positive impact on the field and looked lost during Saturday’s preseason action. This subpar play, the poor guard situation, and Carr’s inability to handle pressure means this could be a long season for New Orleans.
Donovan Smith is not a starting-caliber player anymore, but the free agent is probably better than Trevor Penning. Head coach Dennis Allen must guide this team to the playoffs if he wants to keep his job, and he won’t be able to do that with this offensive line. Maybe Smith can’t even justify a depth spot on the roster, but what do the Saints have to lose by giving him a shot?
Main Photo: Tina MacIntyre – USA Today Sports
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