The Kansas City Chiefs are racing against the clock to secure a long-term deal with their star offensive lineman, Trey Smith, as a critical deadline looms. With the 2025 NFL season approaching, head coach Andy Reid and the Chiefs’ front office face a pivotal decision regarding the 26-year-old guard, who is coming off a standout 2024 campaign that earned him his first Pro Bowl selection.
The Chiefs have until Tuesday, July 15, 2025, to finalize an extension with Smith, a fifth-year player who has been a cornerstone of their offensive line. This date marks the NFL’s deadline for franchise-tagged players to sign long-term contracts. Failure to reach an agreement by this deadline means Smith will play the 2025 season under the non-exclusive franchise tag, which guarantees him a fully guaranteed $23.4 million for the year. However, without a long-term deal, Smith could hit free agency in 2026, potentially leaving Kansas City without one of their most reliable players.
A Smart Move by the Chiefs
In February, the Chiefs applied the $23.4 million franchise tag to prevent Smith from entering free agency, a move that underscored their commitment to retaining the young star. The tag, the highest for any interior offensive lineman, reflects Smith’s value to the team. Since being drafted, Smith has been a model of durability, missing just one game in his four seasons as a starter. His consistent performance has made him a vital part of Kansas City’s offensive success, protecting quarterback Patrick Mahomes and paving the way for the team’s dynamic rushing attack.
Securing a long-term deal with Smith would provide the Chiefs with greater financial flexibility. A multi-year contract would allow the team to spread out Smith’s cap hit, rather than absorbing the full $23.4 million in 2025. This flexibility is critical for a team that has already made tough financial decisions, such as trading All-Pro guard Joe Thuney to free up cap space—a move widely seen as a signal to prioritize younger talent like Smith.
Teammate Support and Expert Predictions
Chiefs defensive tackle and team captain Chris Jones, no stranger to franchise tag negotiations himself, praised Smith’s approach to the situation. Speaking to reporters at a team practice last month, Jones jokingly advised against following his own past holdout strategy. “Well, it’s good Trey didn’t take my approach,” Jones said, per KCTV5. “Trey’s doing the right thing, man. Don’t take no advice from me. I did things a little different. … Trey, you in a good place.” Jones’ comments highlight the confidence within the locker room that Smith’s decision to sign the tag positions him well for a lucrative long-term deal.
Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer also weighed in on the situation, expressing optimism about the Chiefs’ chances of locking up Smith. “I think the Chiefs get a deal done with him, but it won’t be easy,” Breer wrote on June 18. Breer’s analysis suggests that while negotiations may be complex, both sides have strong incentives to reach an agreement before the July 15 deadline.
The Stakes for Kansas City
The Chiefs’ urgency to sign Smith is driven by more than just his on-field contributions. As Kansas City prepares for training camp, set to open on July 21, the team is focused on maintaining continuity along the offensive line. Losing Smith in 2026 would create a significant void, particularly given his youth, durability, and Pro Bowl-caliber play. A long-term extension would not only secure Smith’s future with the Chiefs but also reinforce the team’s commitment to building around their core players as they chase another Super Bowl title.
As the Tuesday deadline approaches, all eyes will be on Andy Reid and the Chiefs’ front office. Will they finalize a deal with their $23 million star, or will they risk losing him in 2026? With time running out, the pressure is on to keep Trey Smith in Kansas City for years to come.