Potential Patriots free agency target not expected to get franchise tag
Briefly

The New England Patriots are focusing on enhancing their offensive line ahead of the upcoming offseason, particularly eyeing free agent guard Trey Smith, who is expected to hit the market. After a standout career with the Kansas City Chiefs, including two Super Bowl wins and a Pro Bowl appearance, Smith is seen as a valuable asset to solidify the interior line. The Patriots' current depth chart has some uncertainty, especially at guard positions, making Smith an appealing target, amidst a significant projected salary cap space of $134.8 million.
According to a report by Nate Taylor of The Athletic, the Kansas City Chiefs are 'not expected to place the franchise tag or the transition tag' on standout guard Trey Smith.
Smith might be too good a prospect to pass up. He also would help solidify an interior that, while deep in numbers, was unable to find a consistent pair of starting guards.
A new coaching staff might reverse that decision but for now his outlook remains TBD. The latter had some promising moments as a fourth-round rookie, but his pass protection in particular remains a concern.
The Patriots are projected to have a team-leading $134.8 million in salary cap space.
Read at Pats Pulpit
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