The Kansas City Chiefs, fresh off another successful season with a 15-2 record and a Super Bowl appearance in 2025, are facing critical decisions as they navigate the complexities of the NFL salary cap and player contracts. With several key players on expiring deals, General Manager Brett Veach is at a crossroads, balancing the need to retain homegrown talent with the financial realities of building a roster capable of sustaining their dynasty. Among the players in the spotlight are guard Trey Smith, linebacker Leo Chenal, running back Isiah Pacheco, and safety Bryan Cook, all of whom are on expiring contracts and fighting for extensions. This contract battle has sparked intense discussion among fans and analysts, with the Chiefs’ priorities shaping the future of their roster. So, who will survive this high-stakes showdown?
The Players in the Contract Battle
Trey Smith: The Franchise Tag Priority
At the forefront of the Chiefs’ priorities is Trey Smith, a 25-year-old Pro Bowl guard who has become a cornerstone of the offensive line. Rated as the 14th-best guard by Pro Football Focus in 2024, Smith’s physicality and reliability have been vital in protecting quarterback Patrick Mahomes and opening lanes for the running game. With his contract expiring, the Chiefs have reportedly decided to place the franchise tag on Smith, securing him for the 2025 season at an estimated $23.4 million, making him the highest-paid guard in the NFL for that year.
However, the franchise tag is a temporary solution. A long-term extension for Smith remains a priority, as losing him in 2026 would be a significant blow to an offensive line already dealing with inconsistencies. The Chiefs’ decision to prioritize Smith reflects his value as a two-time Super Bowl champion and a young player entering his prime. Yet, committing such a substantial portion of the salary cap to an interior lineman could limit the team’s ability to extend other players, setting the stage for tough choices.
Isiah Pacheco: The Workhorse Running Back
Running back Isiah Pacheco, a seventh-round gem from the 2022 NFL Draft, has been a dynamic force in the Chiefs’ offense when healthy. Known for his relentless running style, Pacheco racked up 90 yards on 19 carries and five receptions in Week 2 of 2024 before a fractured fibula sidelined him for 10 games. Despite his absence, the Chiefs’ offense thrived, thanks to veteran Kareem Hunt, who recorded 728 rushing yards and seven touchdowns in 13 games.
Pacheco’s return late in the 2024 season showed promise, but his contract situation remains uncertain. NFL insider Tony Pauline reported that an extension for Pacheco won’t be considered until he proves he’s back to full health and form in 2025. The Chiefs’ hesitation stems from the depth at the running back position and the positional value—or lack thereof—in today’s NFL. With Hunt performing admirably and the 2025 draft class offering talented running backs, Kansas City could opt for a cheaper alternative if Pacheco’s recovery falters. Still, Pacheco’s workhorse mentality and playoff pedigree make him a strong candidate for an extension if he can reclaim his role as the lead back.
Leo Chenal: The Rising Linebacker
Linebacker Leo Chenal, another 2022 draftee, has emerged as a key contributor to the Chiefs’ defense under coordinator Steve Spagnuolo. Known for his physicality and versatility, Chenal returned to practice in 2023 after an illness and has since solidified his role in Kansas City’s linebacker corps. His ability to stop the run and contribute in pass-rushing situations makes him a valuable asset, especially as the Chiefs aim to maintain a stout defense.
While Chenal’s contributions are undeniable, his contract situation is less urgent than Smith’s or Pacheco’s. The Chiefs may wait to see how Chenal performs in the 2025 season before committing to a long-term deal. However, his youth and upside make him a candidate for an extension, particularly if he continues to develop into a starter alongside Nick Bolton.
Bryan Cook: The Defensive Back Gamble
Safety Bryan Cook, also from the 2022 draft class, has shown flashes of brilliance in the Chiefs’ secondary, stepping into a starting role at free safety. Despite an ankle injury that landed him on injured reserve in 2024, Cook’s productivity when healthy has made him a candidate for an extension. However, the Chiefs’ decision to draft another safety early in 2025 could signal a shift in their long-term plans, potentially leaving Cook to prove his worth in a contract year.
Cook’s situation is described as “dicey” due to the relatively low positional value of safeties and the emergence of younger talent like Jaden Hicks. If Cook has a standout 2025 season, he could secure a bigger contract, but the Chiefs may opt to allocate resources elsewhere if a rookie proves capable of filling his role.
The Financial Stakes
The Chiefs’ salary cap situation adds another layer of complexity to this contract battle. With only $10.7 million in cap space projected for 2025, committing $23.4 million to Smith’s franchise tag consumes a significant portion of the budget. This financial constraint could force Kansas City to delay extensions for Pacheco, Chenal, or Cook, or even explore cheaper alternatives through the draft or free agency. The team’s success in drafting players like Nick Bolton, Creed Humphrey, and Trent McDuffie under Veach’s leadership highlights their ability to find cost-effective talent, which could influence their decisions.
Moreover, the Chiefs’ pursuit of a historic three-peat in 2025 amplifies the pressure to maintain a balanced roster. While Smith’s extension is a near certainty, the fates of Pacheco, Chenal, and Cook hinge on their performance and the team’s strategic priorities. The running back position, in particular, faces scrutiny due to the emergence of Hunt and the potential to draft a new runner, making Pacheco’s case the most precarious.
Fan and Analyst Reactions
The contract battle has sparked lively discussions among Chiefs fans, particularly on platforms like X, where debates rage over who deserves to stay. Many fans view Smith as a non-negotiable priority, citing his role in protecting Mahomes and his Pro Bowl pedigree. Pacheco, meanwhile, enjoys a passionate fanbase that admires his gritty style, but some question whether his injury history and the team’s depth at running back justify a long-term investment. Chenal and Cook, while respected, are often seen as secondary priorities, with fans trusting Veach’s scouting prowess to find replacements if needed.
Analysts, including those at Sports Illustrated and Sporting News, emphasize the Chiefs’ history of smart roster management under Veach. The 2021 and 2022 draft classes, which produced stars like Smith, Chenal, Pacheco, and Cook, are a testament to his ability to build a championship-caliber team. However, the consensus is that Smith’s extension is the most critical, with Pacheco’s future hinging on his health and performance in 2025.
Who Will Survive?
In this high-stakes contract battle, Trey Smith is the clear frontrunner to secure a long-term deal, likely playing under the franchise tag in 2025 while negotiations continue. His value to the offensive line and his Pro Bowl status make him indispensable. Leo Chenal has a strong chance of earning an extension if he continues to shine, but the Chiefs may delay a decision until after the 2025 season. Bryan Cook faces an uphill battle, as the team’s depth at safety and the draft’s potential could push him to the sidelines. Isiah Pacheco, despite his talent, is the most vulnerable due to his injury history and the Chiefs’ options at running back, including Hunt and potential draft picks.
The Chiefs are playing big, but not everyone can survive the contract battle. With Veach’s track record and the team’s cap constraints, the decisions made in 2025 will shape Kansas City’s quest for another Super Bowl. For now, fans can only wait and see who emerges victorious in this high-stakes showdown.