The Kansas City Chiefs sent shockwaves through the NFL on Tuesday with a monumental move, signing Pro Bowl right guard Trey Smith to a record-setting $94 million contract extension over four years. This deal cements Smith as the highest-paid guard in league history, securing one of the NFL’s premier offensive linemen through his prime. However, the ripple effects of this blockbuster contract are already reshaping the Chiefs’ roster, with one veteran player’s departure now all but guaranteed.
Trey Smith’s Historic Deal
Trey Smith, a cornerstone of Kansas City’s dominant offensive line, has earned his place among the elite. His new contract not only rewards his stellar performance but also ensures the Chiefs retain a key piece of their championship-caliber roster. Paired with center Creed Humphrey, who is also the highest-paid at his position, Smith forms part of an interior line that’s the envy of the league. This move signals Kansas City’s commitment to protecting Patrick Mahomes and maintaining their offensive prowess.
This Trey Smith deal all but assures that this is Jawaan Taylor’s last season with the Chiefs.
— Kent Swanson (@kent_swanson) July 15, 2025
However, with great contracts come great financial challenges. The Chiefs are already preparing for massive extensions for rising stars like cornerback Trent McDuffie and defensive end George Karlaftis. With Travis Kelce’s eventual retirement looming, Kansas City will gain some cap relief, but the team is still projected to have one of the NFL’s most expensive rosters in the coming years. This financial reality puts one veteran’s future in jeopardy.
Jawaan Taylor’s Days Are Numbered
According to Kent Swanson of KC Sports Network, Trey Smith’s extension all but confirms that 2025 will be right tackle Jawaan Taylor’s final season with the Chiefs. Taylor, whose contract carries the second-highest cap hit on the 2025 roster—trailing only Patrick Mahomes by less than $1 million—has become a lightning rod for criticism. His bloated deal, widely regarded as a rare misstep by general manager Brett Veach, has not delivered the expected value.
Since joining the Chiefs, Taylor has been the NFL’s most-penalized offensive lineman, racking up infractions at an alarming rate. His performance last season was equally underwhelming, ranking 82nd out of 140 qualified tackles according to Pro Football Focus. For a player being paid like one of the league’s top right tackles, this level of production is unacceptable. While Taylor’s tenure has coincided with two Super Bowl appearances and a championship parade, his individual contributions have left much to be desired, drawing the ire of large swaths of the Chiefs’ fanbase.
A Strategic Exit Plan
The financial implications of Taylor’s contract make his departure a near certainty. Cutting him in 2025 would result in a staggering $34.7 million dead cap hit, making it an impractical move. However, in 2026, that figure drops to a far more manageable $7.3 million, giving the Chiefs a clear window to part ways. Veach, known for his forward-thinking approach, has already laid the groundwork for life after Taylor.
By signing swing tackle Jaylon Moore and drafting Josh Simmons in the first round, Veach has proactively built the 2026 offensive line. The projected starting lineup—likely featuring Simmons, Kingsley Suamataia, Creed Humphrey, Trey Smith, and Moore—offers a blend of youth, talent, and cost efficiency. This group will have ample time to gel during practice, allowing the Chiefs to address any potential weaknesses before Taylor’s exit.
A Bright Future for Kansas City
The decision to lock up Trey Smith was a no-brainer for the Chiefs, who continue to prioritize their offensive line as the foundation of their success. Smith’s extension not only secures a Pro Bowl talent but also underscores Kansas City’s commitment to building a sustainable contender. However, the move comes at the expense of Jawaan Taylor, whose underperformance and costly contract have made him expendable.
As the 2025 season unfolds, all eyes will be on Taylor’s final act with the Chiefs—and on Veach’s carefully crafted plan for the future. With a new offensive line taking shape and cap space set to be freed up, Kansas City is poised to remain a powerhouse. The only question left is how soon Taylor’s inevitable exit will pave the way for the next chapter of Chiefs dominance.