The Kansas City Chiefs have at least two areas of possible improvement after a Week 1 loss. Issues at receiver are obvious, while the defensive line rotation was slightly less glaring. Still, it was clear the franchise should look for possible upgrades on the inside. One potential option is current Dallas Cowboys lineman Mazi Smith. The defender was the 26th overall pick in the 2023 draft and has consistently underwhelmed in the past two seasons.
Sunday was a new low point with Smith unable to even crack the active roster. Despite the investment, it seems the Cowboys have already given up on the lineman. Giving the Chiefs a much-needed chance to add size to the position and add a low-investment, high upside reclamation project. Smith's talent hasn't been a fit in Dallas, but there have been many pieces the Chiefs have turned around in seasons past. Smith could prove to be the next in what is one of the league's better units.
Chiefs Have the Perfect Potential Reclamation Project in Struggling Cowboys Defender Mazi Smith
It is fair to point out that this need was set up by the surprise release of Mike Pennel, who responded to the move by posting a Joker monologue and joining the Bengals' practice squad. Sending a clear message that the release wasn't expected or appreciated. Despite how the defender took the news, there is now a case that perhaps it was a rare miss by the Chiefs.
Not only are you missing Pennel, Omarr Norman-Lott is missing time due to an ankle injury, and backups Jerry Tillery and Derrick Nnadi are both veterans with limited upside. Bringing in Smith is about spending nothing for a player who could become a surprise contributor. Bolstering a weak position group and taking pressure off Norman-Lott to hurry his return.
Smith is still only 24 and has a chance to help a unit that struggled in Week 1. Only Chris Jones stood out positively, and the defender's frustration was clear by the end of the game. Bringing in the failed Cowboys draft pick isn't just about depth, but attempting to find a surprise contributor long-term.
Smith's career numbers are underwhelming, with 2 sacks and 54 tackles over the past two seasons. Still, the Chiefs should attempt to make the move, understanding they are adding a first-round talent for what should be a day three pick. The Cowboys are in no position to negotiate with Smith, appearing one step short of being released.
Kansas City can step in and hand the Cowboys a late-round pick to bow out and give Smith a chance to rebound in a new landing spot. It is clear that Dallas has moved on, and there is nothing to be gained by holding the defender hostage. Give the Chiefs a chance to restart the once promising prospect's career, and perhaps you find surprise value.
Even if the move doesn't work, you're out a depth pick and can pivot in another direction. It is a trade that is simply impossible to find a clear downside for from Kansas City's perspective.