In a strategic move that underscores the Kansas City Chiefs’ commitment to their offensive line, the team informed Pro Bowl guard Trey Smith that he will receive a franchise tag for the upcoming season. As reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter, this decision not only secures Smith’s tenure with the Chiefs but also positions him to become the highest-paid guard in the National Football League. With an estimated contract value of around $23.4 million, the franchise tag prevents Smith from entering the crowded free agent market before the contract negotiation period.
The contract maximum for franchise-tagged players is a significant financial step for both sides. Currently, the highest-paid guard, Landon Dickerson of the Philadelphia Eagles, earns an annual salary of $21 million. By tagging Smith, Kansas City is, in effect, elevating his salary above that benchmark, illustrating the organization’s recognition of his skill set and immense value to the team. The deadline for the franchise tag is swiftly approaching, with teams needing to finalize their decisions by Monday at 4 p.m. ET. Furthermore, Smith and the Chiefs have a mutual understanding that they must negotiate a long-term contract before July 15, 2025, or risk Smith playing the next season under the less secure franchise tender.
Trey Smith’s journey to becoming a centerpiece of Kansas City’s offensive line began with his selection as a sixth-round draft pick in 2021. His college years raised red flags due to a blood clot issue, which caused many teams to overlook his exceptional talent. However, the Chiefs recognized his potential, and since joining the team, he has consistently proved his worth. Over the past four seasons, Smith has started in 67 of 68 possible regular-season games and has participated in every playoff game without missing a start. His durability and reliability have solidified his reputation as a cornerstone player for the franchise.
Smith’s performance metrics from the previous season reflect why he was deemed worthy of this investment. In 2024, he ranked 13th among all guards in pass block win rate at an impressive 93.9%. Additionally, he excelled in run blocking, achieving a career-high win rate of 75.1%, demonstrating his all-around skill set. The ability to balance both running and passing situations makes him invaluable to the Chiefs’ offense. Moreover, he allowed a mere 1.5 sacks throughout the entire season while only incurring two penalties. These statistics earned him his first Pro Bowl selection, solidifying his status among the elite players at his position.
Looking forward, the Chiefs have set high expectations for Smith. With the franchise tag providing him with financial security and the opportunity for long-term negotiations, both parties are motivated to maintain this fruitful partnership. If a contract extension isn’t reached before mid-July, Smith’s performance will be placed under additional scrutiny as he plays under the franchise tag. The upcoming season not only represents his chance to continue proving his worth on the field but also serves as a pivotal moment in determining his long-term future in Kansas City. As he moves forward, the Chiefs will undoubtedly be focused on capitalizing on his talents to strengthen their offensive capabilities for years to come.