The Kansas City Chiefs have taken a significant step in retaining their star guard Trey Smith by applying the franchise tag, according to insider reports from ESPN’s Adam Schefter. This strategic decision will prevent Smith from entering the free-agent waters and signals the Chiefs’ intent to keep their core players intact. By using the franchise tag, Kansas City is expected to offer Smith a one-year contract valued at approximately $23.4 million. This figure not only positions Smith among the highest earners for guards in the NFL but effectively elevates him to the top tier, surpassing the current highest-paid guard, Landon Dickerson of the Philadelphia Eagles, whose contract stands at $21 million.
However, the franchise tag is not merely a financial maneuver; it serves as an indication of Smith’s vital role within the team. The Chiefs have until the franchise tag deadline on Monday at 4 p.m. ET to finalize this move, after which they will have until July 15 to negotiate a long-term contract with Smith. Should no agreement be reached by this summer deadline, Smith will play the 2025 season under the constraints of the franchise tender.
A Journey from Sixth-Round Pick to Pro Bowl Star
Trey Smith’s journey in the NFL is a testament to resilience and talent. Selected in the sixth round of the 2021 Draft from the University of Tennessee, Smith’s path to professional football had its challenges. Concerns over a previous medical condition, specifically a blood clot issue in his lungs during college, led to his lower draft stock, despite higher ratings from many scouting reports. This adversity, however, has not hindered his performance on the field.
In his four seasons with the Chiefs, Smith has emerged as a reliable starter, featuring in 67 out of 68 regular-season games and maintaining a flawless record in 13 postseason games. His presence on the offensive line has been pivotal, as evidenced by his impressive stats in the 2024 season, where he ranked 13th among guards in pass block win rate and sixth in run block win rate. Moreover, Smith’s ability to limit defensive pressure is noteworthy, having allowed only 1.5 sacks and committed a mere two penalties during the season. His performance earned him a well-deserved first Pro Bowl selection, further cementing his standing as one of the elite guards in the league.
The Implications for the Chiefs’ Future
Retaining a player of Smith’s caliber underscores the Chiefs’ commitment to building and maintaining a competitive roster. As the franchise tag provides both financial security and the opportunity for future negotiations, this decision marks a pivotal moment for the organization. If the Chiefs successfully negotiate a long-term deal, they could secure Smith’s talents for years to come, ultimately fortifying their offensive line and enhancing their overall performance.
With a high-impact player like Trey Smith committing to the franchise, Kansas City is sending a clear message to fans and competitors alike: they are aiming to dominate in the coming seasons. As the July deadline approaches, all eyes will be on the negotiations, with the hope that a lasting agreement will be reached that satisfies both Smith and the organization.