As the 2025 NFL regular season looms on the horizon, the Kansas City Chiefs are riding high on their dynastic run, with Patrick Mahomes steering the ship toward yet another potential Super Bowl. But amidst the excitement, a critical decision looms that could define the Chiefs’ future: securing the contract of offensive lineman Trey Smith. According to ESPN’s Aaron Schatz, failing to extend the standout guard before the season kicks off would be a colossal misstep for Kansas City.
Trey Smith, a former Tennessee Volunteers star, has been nothing short of a revelation since being selected in the sixth round of the 2021 NFL Draft. A diamond in the rough, Smith has started 67 games for the Chiefs, anchoring an offensive line that has powered the team to two Super Bowl victories and earned him a Pro Bowl nod. His blend of power, agility, and football IQ has made him one of the league’s premier interior linemen—a cornerstone for protecting the NFL’s most electrifying quarterback.
However, Smith’s future with the Chiefs hangs in the balance. Currently playing under the franchise tag for the 2025 season, he’s set to hit free agency again in 2026. ESPN’s Schatz is adamant that letting it get that far would be a mistake. “The Chiefs already decided between Joe Thuney and Smith,” Schatz wrote. “They could pay only one of them, so Thuney was sent to Chicago, and they kept the younger Smith. Right now, Smith is set to play on the franchise tag for 2025 and then become a free agent again in 2026. We know that’s not going to happen. 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.”
The decision to prioritize Smith over Thuney signals Kansas City’s belief in the 26-year-old’s long-term value. At his age, Smith is entering the prime of his career, offering durability and elite performance at a position critical to the Chiefs’ high-octane offense. With Mahomes continuing to rewrite record books, ensuring he has a reliable offensive line is non-negotiable. Smith’s ability to stonewall pass rushers and open lanes for the run game makes him indispensable to Kansas City’s championship aspirations.
The Chiefs have a history of making savvy roster moves, and extending Smith would be a no-brainer. His sixth-round pedigree belies his superstar impact, and his contributions to two Super Bowl runs underscore his worth. Letting a player of his caliber test the free-agent market in 2026 risks losing him to a rival eager to bolster their own line—potentially haunting Kansas City for years to come.
As the offseason clock ticks, the Chiefs must heed ESPN’s warning. Locking up Trey Smith isn’t just a smart move; it’s a necessity to keep the dynasty rolling. With training camp approaching, Kansas City’s front office has a clear directive: secure the bag for their star lineman and keep Mahomes upright for another title chase.