Tre’Quan Smith Bio
Tre’Quan Smith is an American professional football wide receiver currently with the Detroit Lions of the National Football League. Born on January 7, 1996, in Delray Beach, Florida, he has spent the majority of his NFL career with the New Orleans Saints after being selected in the 2018 NFL Draft. He is recognized for his size, speed, and ability to make plays down the field, particularly during his early seasons in New Orleans.
Smith also had a brief stint with the Denver Broncos in 2023 before joining the Detroit Lions. Standing 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighing approximately 210 pounds, he has built a career as a reliable target in the passing game. His journey from a late-blooming high school player to a third-round NFL draft pick reflects steady development and persistence.
Early Life and Background
Tre’Quan Smith was born and raised in Delray Beach, Florida, where he attended Village Academy High School. Unlike many NFL prospects, Smith did not begin playing football until his freshman year of high school, making him a relative latecomer to the sport. Despite his late start, he quickly developed the physical tools and athletic ability that would later attract college recruiters.
Coming out of high school, Smith committed to the University of Central Florida (UCF) to play college football. His decision to attend UCF allowed him to grow within a program that was on the rise during his time there. The combination of his size, speed, and work ethic helped him transition from a raw high school athlete into a polished college prospect.
Smith’s upbringing in South Florida, a region known for producing NFL talent, provided a strong athletic foundation. He was able to refine his skills and prepare for the demands of higher-level competition while at Village Academy, setting the stage for his collegiate career at UCF.
Path to American Football
Smith’s path to professional football began in earnest at UCF, where he played from 2014 to 2017. During his freshman year in 2015, his performance earned him the American Athletic Conference (AAC) Rookie Player of the Year award, signaling his potential as a top-tier receiver. He continued to develop throughout his college career, ultimately recording 168 receptions for 2,748 yards and 22 touchdowns across his time with the Knights.
Following his junior season in 2017, Smith declared for the 2018 NFL Draft, announcing his decision on January 6, 2018. He participated in the Senior Bowl that year, catching five passes for 83 yards and a touchdown in the game to help the North defeat the South 45–16. He also attended the NFL Scouting Combine, where he posted the third-best broad jump and the 14th-best 40-yard dash time among all participants.
Smith was projected as a third or fourth-round pick, with scouting services ranking him among the top 11 wide receivers in the 2018 draft class. His strong pre-draft performances solidified his stock and led to his selection by the New Orleans Saints in the third round with the 91st overall pick. He signed a four-year, $3.42 million contract with the team on May 21, 2018, beginning his NFL career.
Tre’Quan Smith Career
Early Career (2018–2019)
Tre’Quan Smith made his NFL debut in the 2018 season opener against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, though he did not record any receptions in that game. He soon bounced back, recording his first NFL reception against the Cleveland Browns for 18 yards. His breakout moment came during a Monday Night Football game against the Washington Redskins in Week 5, when he caught a 62-yard touchdown pass from Drew Brees. That play helped Brees surpass Peyton Manning for the most career passing yards in NFL history, and Smith finished the game with three receptions for 111 yards and two touchdowns.
Smith concluded his rookie season with 28 receptions for 427 yards and five touchdowns in 15 games and seven starts, helping the Saints earn the top seed in the NFC with a 13–3 record. In 2019, he battled an ankle injury for much of the season but still managed 18 receptions for 234 yards and five touchdowns. His early production established him as a deep threat in the New Orleans offense.
New Orleans Saints Breakthrough (2018–2022)
During his time with the New Orleans Saints, Tre’Quan Smith developed into a valuable contributor in the passing game. In the 2020 season, he recorded 34 receptions for 448 yards and four touchdowns, including a strong performance against the Detroit Lions in Week 4. He was placed on injured reserve in late December 2020 but was activated in time for the postseason, where he caught three passes for 85 yards and two touchdowns against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the Divisional Round, including a memorable 56-yard score on a Jameis Winston trick play.
Smith continued to contribute in 2021, appearing in 11 games with six starts and recording 32 receptions for 377 yards and three touchdowns. He re-signed with the Saints on March 30, 2022, to a two-year, $6 million contract, reflecting the team’s confidence in his abilities. During the 2022 season, he played in 15 games with six starts, finishing with 19 receptions for 278 yards and one touchdown.
One of the standout games of his Saints career came during a 48–7 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles in 2018, when he recorded ten receptions for 152 yards and a touchdown. That performance highlighted his ability to produce against top competition and remain a consistent presence in the Saints’ receiving corps.
Denver Broncos and Detroit Lions Era (2023–Present)
On October 3, 2023, Tre’Quan Smith signed with the practice squad of the Denver Broncos. He played in only one game for Denver, recording no statistics, and his contract expired at the end of the team’s season on January 7, 2024. Seeking to continue his career, Smith signed a reserve/future contract with the Detroit Lions on February 7, 2024, and was later placed on injured reserve on August 20, 2024.
Smith’s move to Detroit offered him an opportunity to compete for a roster spot in a new offensive system. The Lions, coming off a strong 2024 season, presented a fresh start for the veteran receiver as he worked toward returning to full health. His experience in the Saints’ offensive scheme, which featured accurate passing from quarterbacks like Drew Brees, gave him a foundation to build upon in Detroit.
Driving Style and Strengths
Tre’Quan Smith is known for his combination of size, speed, and reliable hands, making him a dependable target in intermediate and deep passing situations. His ability to stretch the field was evident during his 2018 rookie campaign, when he delivered several explosive plays. Smith’s route-running and physical presence allow him to compete for contested catches and create mismatches against smaller defensive backs.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of the most memorable moments of Smith’s career came in 2018 when his 62-yard touchdown reception helped Drew Brees break Peyton Manning’s all-time career passing yards record. His two-touchdown performance in the 2020 postseason against the Buccaneers also stands out, particularly the 56-yard trick-play score from Jameis Winston. Across his career, Smith has produced multiple 100-yard receiving games and has been a consistent red-zone target.
Tre’Quan Smith Career Highlights
Throughout his NFL career, Tre’Quan Smith has accumulated significant production as a wide receiver. From 2018 through 2022 with the New Orleans Saints, he totaled 131 receptions for 1,764 yards and 18 touchdowns, establishing himself as a steady contributor in the team’s passing attack.
New Orleans Saints Highlights
During his five seasons in New Orleans, Smith became known for his big-play ability and consistency. His rookie year set the tone, with five touchdowns and several explosive performances, including a 10-reception, 152-yard game against the Eagles. He posted strong numbers in 2020 and 2021, and his two-touchdown performance in the 2020 playoffs underscored his value in high-stakes situations.
Other Wins and Performances
In college at UCF, Smith earned multiple accolades, including 2015 AAC Rookie Player of the Year and Second-team All-AAC honors in 2017, when UCF was also recognized as a Colley Matrix national champion. He finished his collegiate career with 168 receptions for 2,748 yards and 22 touchdowns, cementing his status as one of UCF’s top receivers during his tenure.
Tre’Quan Smith Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Tre’Quan Smith grew up in Delray Beach, Florida, in a region known for producing elite football talent. He attended Village Academy High School, where his family provided support as he transitioned into the sport during his freshman year. Smith’s path from a late-start high school player to a third-round NFL draft pick reflects the encouragement and foundation provided by his upbringing in South Florida.
Personal Life
Tre’Quan Smith has maintained a relatively private personal life, focusing primarily on his professional football career. He is recognized by teammates and coaches for his work ethic and team-first mentality, qualities that have helped him remain in the NFL since 2018.
2025 Season Performance
Looking ahead to the 2025 season, Tre’Quan Smith will be looking to secure a role in the Detroit Lions’ receiving corps after spending the 2024 offseason recovering from injury. The Lions, fresh off a successful 2024 campaign, will be aiming to build on their momentum and make a deep playoff run. Smith’s veteran experience and familiarity with pass-heavy offensive systems make him a potential asset for Detroit’s coaching staff as they shape their roster.
Throughout his career, Smith has demonstrated the ability to contribute as a situational receiver and red-zone target. If he can stay healthy, he may provide valuable depth behind the Lions’ top pass-catchers and contribute on special teams. His history of producing in big moments, such as his postseason touchdowns in 2020, could position him as a reliable option when called upon.
As the 2025 season approaches, Smith’s primary goals will be to earn a roster spot, regain his form after injury, and contribute to a Lions team with championship aspirations. His journey from a late-starting high school player to a multi-year NFL veteran underscores the perseverance required to sustain a career at the highest level of professional football.