Chiefs’ Trey Smith was surprised that Tyreek Hill left the team but he’s not worried
The kind of numbers that Hill put on the board will be hard to replace, but it seems like the Chiefs are on the right path to doing just that.
Though he only shared the field with the star wide receiver for one season, Trey Smith only was left blown away by his former Kansas City Chiefs teammate Tyreek Hill’s skill set.
Chiefs’ Trey Smith understands Tyreek Hill’s choice
As a rookie right guard for the Chiefs this past season, Trey Smith came to Kansas City knowing full well that the man who would be his new teammate, Tyreek Hill was not just one of the team’s stars but one of the best in the entire league. Indeed, Smith was open about Hill’s difference making ability and the surprise he felt when the prolific WR parted company with the franchise. The young player was, however, quick to indicate that he understood why the decision had to be taken by both parties.
“Yeah, the coaches are gonna do what they think is best for the organization and for the team. And I can’t blame Tyreek; he’s getting paid,” Smith said. “I’ll never blame a guy to get paid, but he’s got to do what’s best for him. I’m really excited to see what he does in Miami, wishing him well.”
What did the Chiefs lose in Tyreek Hill?
To be frank, when the Chiefs said goodbye to Tyreek Hill it was quite literally the loss of the best deep-ball receiver in recent memory. Since coming into the NFL back in 2016, Hill has lead the NFL in 20-yard, 30-yard, 40-yard, 50-yard, and 60-yard touchdowns. If that wasn’t enough the WR is one of just four players in the league’s history to amass more than 450 receptions (479), 6,500 receiving yards (6,630), and 55 receiving touchdowns (56) in his first six seasons.
The best part is that when Patrick Mahomes became the Chiefs starting quarterback in 2018, things only got worse or better depending on which phrase you prefer. On the receiving end of Mahomes arm, Hill rose to seventh in the NFL in receptions (343), fourth in receiving yards (4,854), second in reception touchdowns (43), and sixth in receiving first downs (231). What’s more is that he recorded a career-high 111 receptions for 1,239 yards and nine touchdowns just this last season while averaging a career-low 11.8 yards per catch. That’s precisely why Smith couldn’t help but express his admiration. “I love watching Tyreek. He’s one of the coolest dudes to watch on the field,” Smith said. “I’ve never seen someone move like that. The attitude, demeanor, the swag he brings on the field, it’s fun to watch, man. It was fun to be around.”
What will the Chiefs do now?
It goes without saying that the Chiefs will have to do a fair amount of restructuring to compensate for the loss of the league’s best wide out. Even more so when considering just who they signed to replace him - if that’s possible. The Chiefs acquired JuJu Smith-Schuster and Marquez Valdes-Scantling in free agency, which of course brings velocity and depth with the pair respectively. They also took Sky Moore in this year’s NFL Draft. That of course is not to neglect those who were already on the roster such as, Travis Kelce at tight end, wide receiver Mecole Hardman, Clyde Edwards-Helaire and free agent addition Ronald Jones at running back.
This of course is to say that Kansas City’s offense will have a new look to it when the 2022 season rolls around. On the other hand, Patrick Mahomes is as good as it gets when it comes to QBs and coach Andy Reid is no slouch either. Indeed, that’s why we haven’t heard any alarm bells coming out of the KC camp. “I think our front office does a fantastic job. I think we have one of the best front offices in the league,” Smith said. “I think they did a fantastic job in the draft and really reloading so we’re ready and set up, in a good position this year.”