Former Bucs left tackle Donovan Smith has found a new home signing with the Chiefs, per NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero. The deal is for one year and is worth up to $9 million. Smith was released in March in a money saving move freeing up $9.95 million in cap space in the process.

He joins former Bucs quarterback Blaine Gabbert and safety Mike Edwards as offseason signings in Kansas City, and reunites with wide receiver Justin Watson whom he played with from 2018-2021.

Smith Had A Long Tenure With The Bucs

Bucs LT Donovan Smith – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

Smith was a staple of the Tampa Bay offense since he was drafted out of Penn State in the second round of the 2015 Draft. Despite some up-and-down play over his first several seasons, he was an ironman of sorts for the Bucs. He played in all 16 of the team’s games in each season from 2015-2018. He missed just one game in 2019 and another in 2020, but he was as durable as anyone in the league for the duration of his 20s.

Smith really hit his stride down the stretch in 2020. Protecting Tom Brady’s blind side, he played his best football during the Bucs’ run to Super Bowl LV. After that Super Bowl season, Smith was rewarded with a two-year contract extension worth $31.8 million.

Bucs LT Donovan Smith – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

He then had a phenomenal 2021 season, playing in all 17 games while allowing just two sacks. For his efforts, he made his way into “The PFF 101,” being named the 62nd-best player in all of football for the 2021 season.

Unfortunately for Smith, his play slid in a big way in 2022. Playing next to a new left guard following the retirement of Pro Bowler Ali Marpet, he had what was probably his worst season as a pro. He finished with four sacks allowed and 13 penalties, including some costly ones. The 29-year-old also missed a career-high four games due to injury. He admitted during the season that he was dealing with some off-field struggles that were affecting his play.