Due to a combination of injuries and role, Tre'Quan Smith's numbers have never jumped off the page throughout his Saints career.
But his return to the Saints for a 5th year on a new deal speaks to just how much he contributes between the lines, particularly in the blocking game, doing all the dirty work that often goes unheralded. Where he takes a particular sense of pride? The blocking game.
"Alvin scoring a touchdown on my block is just as important as me catching a touchdown," Smith said, speaking on SportsTalk with Bobby Hebert, Kristian Garic and Mike Detillier this week. "In my eyes it’s all the same thing."
Listen to the full interview with Tre'Quan Smith in the player below. Can't see the embed? Click here.
And while it might not get the credit it deserves on the stat lines, Smith has been a key contributor in Saints schemes that often rely on receivers to come down and pick up blocks. It's helped contribute to Alvin Kamara's 68 touchdowns since 2017, the most in the NFL among non-quarterbacks.
But the ability Smith knows he must improve most is availability. That was never more apparent than in 2021, when he appeared in line for a major opportunity early in the season with Michael Thomas out with an injury. But Smith himself was injured in camp and missed the first five games of the season. He finished the year with a respectable 32 catches for 377 yards and 3 touchdowns, but far below expectations with a host of targets to be spread around with new starting quarterback Jameis Winston.
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With a new contract, Smith will hope health is one of several things that looks a bit different in the wide receiver room. That goes for himself, but also Thomas, who didn't get on the field last year due to injury. The presence of the 2019 NFL Offensive Player of the Year will make things easier for everyone, and that includes Smith and Winston.
"It’s going to open up more opportunities for the rest of the receivers ... giving other people opportunities to make plays. But even if they are keying on Mike, he’s still going to do him. He’s still going to be a beast, because that’s just what he does," Smith said. "I feel like that’s what we missed a lot last year. So having him back I definitely think that’s going to bring our offense back where it’s supposed to be, and that’s explosive and fast.”