The Kansas City Chiefs have had a busy offseason, addressing key roster needs and making headlines with their offensive line moves. However, one critical task remained on their to-do list: securing the future of their standout right guard, Trey Smith. In a move that has stunned analysts and fans alike, the Chiefs have finalized a deal to keep the two-time Super Bowl champion, often described as a “tank” on the field, for the 2025 season under a $23.4 million franchise tag. While negotiations for a long-term extension continue, this one-year agreement ensures that one of the NFL’s premier interior linemen remains a cornerstone of Kansas City’s offensive front.
Trey Smith, a sixth-round pick in 2021 out of Tennessee, has defied expectations throughout his career. Initially overlooked due to health concerns, Smith quickly established himself as a force, starting 67 of 68 regular-season games and all 13 postseason contests for the Chiefs. His 2024 season was a career-best, earning him a Pro Football Focus (PFF) grade of 78.8, with a 70.8 pass-blocking grade and an impressive 80.8 in run blocking, ranking him as the 14th-best guard among 136 qualifiers. Over his career, Smith has amassed 381 tackles, showcasing his durability and physicality, and his contributions were pivotal in Kansas City’s back-to-back Super Bowl victories in 2022 and 2023.
The decision to place the non-exclusive franchise tag on Smith, valued at $23.4 million fully guaranteed for 2025, was a bold one. As noted by Sports Illustrated, the franchise tag for guards is calculated based on the salaries of top offensive tackles, making it higher than the market rate for guards like Philadelphia’s Landon Dickerson, who earns $21 million annually. This financial commitment reflects the Chiefs’ high valuation of Smith, especially after trading veteran guard Joe Thuney to the Chicago Bears, a move that signaled their preference for the younger, ascending talent. The tag allows Smith to negotiate with other teams, but Kansas City can match any offer or receive two first-round draft picks as compensation, making it highly likely he remains with the team.
General Manager Brett Veach has been vocal about his desire to lock up Smith long-term. “There’s no secret there that we’d like to get Trey locked up,” Veach said before the 2025 NFL Draft, per NFL.com. With a deadline of July 15 to finalize a multi-year extension, both sides are reportedly working diligently to reach an agreement. Spotrac projects Smith’s market value at $19.7 million per year, potentially commanding a four-year, $78.8 million contract. However, some analysts suggest Smith could push for a deal exceeding $21 million annually, surpassing Dickerson and Atlanta’s Chris Lindstrom to reset the guard market.
The Chiefs’ current salary cap situation, with $10.8 million in available space per Over The Cap, presents a challenge. A long-term extension could lower Smith’s 2025 cap hit, providing flexibility to pursue other key players like defensive end George Karlaftis or cornerback Trent McDuffie. ESPN emphasizes the urgency of the situation: “The Chiefs need to get the extension worked out and lock one of the league’s top interior linemen down for the next few seasons.” Smith’s presence is critical, especially after the offensive line’s struggles in Super Bowl LIX, where he allowed three pressures and a sack against the Philadelphia Eagles, earning a 63.2 PFF grade for the game.
Despite that uncharacteristic performance, Smith’s overall resume speaks volumes. His 93.9% pass block win rate and 75.1% run block win rate in 2024, per ESPN, highlight his elite play. Chiefs captain Chris Jones praised Smith’s decision to sign the franchise tag, joking, “It’s good Trey didn’t take my approach. Trey’s doing the right thing, man.” Smith himself remains focused on football, leaving negotiations to his agents, Jimmy Sexton and Tory Dandy. “I just leave it all in my agent’s hands,” Smith said on FOX Sports’ First Things First. “I’m just excited. I know I’m coming back.”
The Chiefs’ commitment to Smith underscores their strategy to maintain a robust offensive line, critical for protecting quarterback Patrick Mahomes and fueling their pursuit of another Super Bowl. While the $23.4 million tag is a significant investment, it’s a testament to Smith’s value as a “tank” who has transformed from a late-round pick into a Pro Bowl talent. With the clock ticking toward the July 15 deadline, Chiefs fans are eagerly awaiting news of a long-term deal that will keep Smith in Kansas City for years to come, solidifying an offensive line poised to dominate in 2025 and beyond.