Tre’Quan Smith
Tre’Quan Smith is an American professional football wide receiver whose NFL career has spanned multiple organizations since 2018. After playing college football at the University of Central Florida, he was selected by the New Orleans Saints in the 2018 NFL Draft. Over the course of his professional career, Smith has also been a member of the Denver Broncos and the Detroit Lions, building a profile as a dependable pass catcher known for big-play potential.
Early Life and Background
Tre’Quan Smith was born on January 7, 1996, in Delray Beach, Florida. He grew up in the same coastal community where he later attended Village Academy High School. Delray Beach, located in Palm Beach County, is a city known for producing a range of athletic talent across several sports, and Smith was among its notable football products.
Smith did not begin playing football until his freshman year of high school, a relatively late start for a future Division I recruit. Despite the late introduction to the sport, he developed quickly through the high school ranks at Village Academy and drew attention from college recruiters for his combination of size and athleticism. His physical profile, listed at 6 feet 2 inches and 210 pounds, helped him project as a pass catcher at the next level.
Following his development at Village Academy, Smith committed to the University of Central Florida to continue his football career. The decision to attend UCF allowed him to remain in his home state of Florida while competing at the highest level of college football available to the program at that time.
Tre’Quan Smith
Path to American Football
Smith’s pathway into collegiate football began in earnest during his freshman year of high school, where he transitioned from a late start into a recruited athlete. His progression at Village Academy eventually earned him an opportunity with the UCF Knights, where he would spend the next several years refining his skills as a wide receiver. The UCF program provided Smith with a platform to compete against high-level competition and to prepare for a professional career.
At UCF, Smith quickly established himself as a contributor, winning the American Athletic Conference Rookie Player of the Year in 2015. The award signaled his early impact and foreshadowed a productive college career that would culminate in national recognition. His development continued throughout his time with the Knights, as he expanded his route tree and improved his consistency as a downfield target.
By the time Smith reached his junior season at UCF, he had accumulated enough production and experience to consider the NFL as a realistic next step. Following the 2017 campaign, in which he earned second-team All-AAC honors and was part of a Colley Matrix national championship, he declared for the 2018 NFL Draft and accepted an invitation to the Senior Bowl, where he further boosted his stock among professional scouts.
Tre’Quan Smith Career
Early Career (2018)
The New Orleans Saints selected Tre’Quan Smith in the third round, 91st overall, of the 2018 NFL Draft. He was the tenth wide receiver taken in that draft class. Shortly after the draft, the Saints signed him to a four-year rookie contract, and he joined a receiver room led by veteran quarterback Drew Brees. Smith quickly integrated into the New Orleans offense and saw action early in his rookie season.
Smith’s first NFL reception came in Week 2 against the Cleveland Browns, an 18-yard catch that contributed to a 21–18 victory. Later that season, he produced one of the most memorable highlights of his career on Monday Night Football, catching a 62-yard touchdown from Drew Brees that helped Brees surpass Peyton Manning for the all-time career passing yards record. Smith finished his rookie year with 28 receptions for 427 yards and five touchdowns across 15 games, contributing to a Saints team that earned the NFC’s number-one seed.
New Orleans Saints (2018–2023)
Smith’s time with the New Orleans Saints stretched across six seasons and included several high points beyond his notable rookie campaign. In his second year, he scored a touchdown in the season opener against the Houston Texans but battled an ankle injury for much of the season, finishing with 18 receptions for 234 yards and five touchdowns. His role expanded again in 2020, when he posted 34 receptions for 448 yards and four touchdowns in 14 games, including a two-touchdown performance against the Detroit Lions in Week 4.
The 2020 postseason offered another signature moment, as Smith caught three passes for 85 yards and two touchdowns against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in a Divisional Round loss, highlighted by a 56-yard score on a Jameis Winston trick play. In 2021, injuries continued to affect his availability, and he appeared in 11 games with 32 receptions for 377 yards and three touchdowns. Ahead of the 2022 season, Smith re-signed with the Saints on a two-year contract and recorded 19 receptions for 278 yards and a touchdown that year. His Saints tenure ended in September 2023, when he was released after a brief stint on injured reserve.
Denver Broncos (2023)
After his release from New Orleans, Tre’Quan Smith signed with the Denver Broncos practice squad in October 2023. He was promoted to the active roster and appeared in one game for Denver but did not record any statistics during his time with the team. Smith’s contract with the Broncos expired at the conclusion of the 2023 season, closing a brief chapter in Denver.
Detroit Lions Era (2024–Present)
On February 7, 2024, Tre’Quan Smith signed a reserve/future contract with the Detroit Lions, joining the organization as he sought to extend his professional career. His opportunity with the Lions was delayed when he was placed on injured reserve in August 2024. Despite the setback, Smith’s signing reflected continued interest from NFL teams in his experience and playmaking potential at the wide receiver position.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among Smith’s career highlights, his 62-yard touchdown catch from Drew Brees against Washington stands out as one of the most consequential plays of his career, directly contributing to a historic milestone for the legendary quarterback. He also produced a ten-reception, 152-yard performance against the Philadelphia Eagles in 2018 and a two-touchdown postseason game against the Buccaneers in 2020. His selection in the third round of the 2018 NFL Draft and his role on a Saints team that earned the NFC’s top seed further underscore his impact during his New Orleans years.
Tre’Quan Smith Career Statistics
Across his NFL career, Tre’Quan Smith has compiled 131 receptions for 1,764 receiving yards and 18 receiving touchdowns, totals that reflect his role as a complementary but productive pass catcher. His production has been distributed across multiple teams, with the bulk of his statistics accumulated during his six seasons with the New Orleans Saints.
New Orleans Saints Highlights
Smith’s most productive seasons came in New Orleans, where he posted his highest reception totals in 2020 and 2021. He scored five touchdowns as a rookie in 2018 and added four more scores in 2020, including two against the Detroit Lions. His 2018 rookie campaign, which featured a 152-yard game against Philadelphia, established him as a vertical threat in the Saints offense and laid the foundation for his extended role with the team.
Tre’Quan Smith Personal Life
Personal Life
Tre’Quan Smith was raised in Delray Beach, Florida, and has remained connected to his home state throughout his football career. Publicly available details about his personal life are limited, and he has generally kept his family and off-field activities private. His journey from a late-start high school player to a multi-year NFL veteran highlights a career built on steady development and perseverance.
2025 Season Outlook
Heading into the 2025 season, Tre’Quan Smith’s role with the Detroit Lions will depend on his recovery and the team’s evolving wide receiver rotation. After signing a reserve/future deal in early 2024, his path back to the active roster will likely depend on health and performance during offseason activities. The Lions, coming off a competitive stretch in the NFC, will continue to evaluate veteran options to add depth to their passing game.
Smith’s experience in multiple offensive systems, including his extensive time in the Saints’ pass-heavy attack under Drew Brees, gives him familiarity with a variety of route concepts and quarterback styles. Should he return to full health, his veteran presence could provide value in a depth role or as a situational receiver. His performance during the upcoming offseason program and training camp will shape his outlook for the 2025 regular season.