The Kansas City Chiefs made a notable move to sure up their offensive line on Wednesday, signing former Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive tackle Donovan Smith.
Smith spent eight years with the Buccaneers organization and helped play a big role in the Buccaneers Super Bowl Championship in 2021.
He was surprisingly cut by the Buccaneers organization in March as they shift to more of a rebuild without star quarterback Tom Brady in the picture.
Some expected the Chiefs to address offensive tackle in the 2023 NFL Draft after parting ways with Orlando Brown this offseason. They did so in the third round by selecting Oklahoma offensive tackle Wanya Morris.
However, it seems like Morris will be more of a project at the position with the Chiefs deciding to bring in Donovan Smith on a rather expensive contract.
According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, the Chiefs signed Smith to a one-year $9 million deal.
Veteran OT Donovan Smith is signing with the #Chiefs on a one-year deal worth up to $9 million, per source.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) May 3, 2023
Pelissero also added that Smith is expected to play left tackle for the Chiefs, his more natural position. Former Jacksonville Jaguars lineman Jawaan Taylor will likely be the team’s right tackle.
Donovan Smith has played his entire career at left tackle. Jawaan Taylor has played almost exclusively right tackle. If all goes well, that’s how the #Chiefs will line up in front of reigning NFL MVP Patrick Mahomes after Smith agreed to a one-year deal worth up to $9 million. pic.twitter.com/ys6GDhAZvK
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) May 3, 2023
A $9 million contract to Smith is definitely a big deal. This caused some mixed reactions from fans on social media.
Imagine this team with an elite left tackle like Orlando Brown Jr!
— Ryan Ge (@RyanGe25) May 3, 2023
Ummm. They’re going into a season with Donovan Smith starting at left tackle???
That’s a big Yikes and a serious downgrade unless he massively improves this season. He was brutal last year.
— Pats Buzz (@PatsBuzz) May 3, 2023
I don’t fully understand this… but a little competition never hurt. Will be interesting to see how our OT room pans out. https://t.co/xv4VlTxnPa
— Lexi (@lexiosborne) May 4, 2023
You can never have enough Offensive Linemen … competition breeds excellence… protecting #15 is of high importance. 124 games played, 124 starts. Wise move. #Chiefs https://t.co/cP7jGrH40b
— Harold R. Kuntz (@HaroldRKuntz3) May 3, 2023
Interesting. The money would suggest this is more of a backup type signing and security for RT if the young guys aren’t good enough. Or if Taylor doesn’t mesh at LT, he goes back to RT and Smith play LT (that one feels unlikely). https://t.co/CaSFdCEgsk
— Geoff Schwartz (@geoffschwartz) May 3, 2023
That’s a game-changer for the Chiefs OL. Donovan Smith is an experienced LT. That allows Jawaan Taylor to stay on the right side. Lucas Niang and Wanya Morris backing them up. https://t.co/YlCnwd8UuM
— Matt Derrick (@mattderrick) May 3, 2023
Protecting star quarterback Patrick Mahomes is obviously a top priority for the Chiefs. Bringing in an experienced player like Smith that has achieved massive success in the league is certainly a positive as they look to repeat as Super Bowl Champions next season.