The Kansas City Chiefs have been busy making moves this offseason, and one of their latest decisions is securing Pro Bowl offensive guard Trey Smith with a franchise tag for the 2025 season. With a fully guaranteed $23.4 million contract for the year, the move ensures that Smith, who has become an essential part of the Chiefs’ offensive line, remains with the team. However, the big question remains: Will the Chiefs make him the highest-paid guard in the NFL?
Why using the Franchise Tag on Trey Smith makes sense
The Chiefs are working to keep their key players in place, and securing Trey Smith under the franchise tag is a crucial step in that direction. Chiefs general manager Brett Veach has already stated that the team’s focus is on retaining its core players, and keeping Smith is a top priority. The Chiefs have long relied on their offensive line to protect quarterback Patrick Mahomes, and Smith has been a pivotal piece of that protection since being drafted in the sixth round of the 2021 NFL Draft.
Smith, now 26 years old, has consistently improved in each season, earning a Pro Bowl nod and ranking among the top 15 guards in the league according to Pro Football Focus. His ability to reduce pressures and prevent sacks has made him a reliable cornerstone for the Chiefs’ offensive line.
Looking Ahead: A Potential Long-Term Deal
While the franchise tag ensures Smith will stay in Kansas City for 2025, the Chiefs’ long-term plans could involve making him one of the highest-paid guards in the NFL. Discussions about a long-term deal between Smith’s representatives at CAA and the Chiefs have already taken place.
Given the rising market for offensive linemen, Smith’s next contract could be worth a substantial amount. Spotrac projects his next deal could earn him an average of $19.7 million per year, making him one of the top-paid guards in the league. However, with the upward trend in contracts, it’s possible Smith could exceed the current top-paid guards, such as Landon Dickerson of the Philadelphia Eagles, whose deal averages $21 million annually.
Financial Decisions and Salary Cap Flexibility
The Chiefs have already invested heavily in their offensive line, with players like Joe Thuney, Creed Humphrey, and Jawaan Taylor securing significant contracts. This presents a challenge for the Chiefs, who must balance their salary cap and make decisions about how to structure the future of their offensive line. Retaining Smith on a long-term deal will likely lead to the team restructuring some of their higher cap hits, like quarterback Patrick Mahomes, to open up the room needed to fit Smith in on a long-term deal.
Smith would be the Chiefs’ fifth-highest-paid player on the salary cap if he plays the 2025 season on the Franchise Tag.
Conclusion: A Busy Offseason Ahead for the Chiefs
The Chiefs’ move to franchise tag Trey Smith signals their commitment to keeping a vital piece of their offense in place. At just 26 years old, Smith is entering the prime of his career, and securing him in Kansas City will ensure the interior of the offensive line remains a strength moving forward.
However, this is just the beginning of a busy offseason for the Chiefs as they navigate salary cap constraints and continue to build around Patrick Mahomes.
