In a significant announcement, the Kansas City Chiefs have opted to franchise tag Pro Bowl guard Trey Smith, cementing their commitment to one of the league’s top offensive linemen. This decision not only secures Smith’s presence on the roster but also effectively sidelines him from the free agency frenzy. As teams eye key offseason acquisitions, the Chiefs are taking a proactive stance in maintaining their offensive line’s integrity, which is crucial for their offensive efficiency.
The franchise tag will guarantee Smith a one-year contract estimated at around $23.4 million. This figure positions him as the highest-paid guard in the NFL, surpassing Philadelphia Eagles’ Landon Dickerson’s annual earnings of $21 million. Such a financial commitment underscores Kansas City’s recognition of Smith’s critical role in their success and the value he brings to the team. With the deadline for franchise tagging rapidly approaching, the Chiefs are solidifying their intentions before the market heats up.
Trey Smith’s journey to becoming a cornerstone of the Chiefs’ offensive line is noteworthy. Drafted in the sixth round of the 2021 NFL Draft out of the University of Tennessee, Smith’s selection was marred by concerns regarding a health issue – a blood clot problem that raised red flags during his college career. Despite this, the Chiefs saw exceptional potential in him. Since then, Smith has transformed into a formidable force on Kansas City’s offensive front, starting 67 out of 68 possible regular-season games and playing every postseason game, demonstrating remarkable durability and skill.
In terms of performance, Smith has continued to evolve into one of the elite guards in the league. His statistics in the 2024 season underscore his prowess in both pass and run blocking, ranking 13th among guards in pass block win rate at 93.9% and an impressive sixth in run block win rate with a career-high of 75.1%. Smith’s ability to minimize mistakes is also commendable, having allowed just 1.5 sacks and committing only two penalties throughout the season. This level of performance not only earned him his first Pro Bowl selection but also solidified his place among the top-tier guards in the NFL.
As the Kansas City Chiefs move forward, they have until July 15 to negotiate a long-term contract with Smith. If no agreement is reached by that date, Smith will fulfill the upcoming season under the terms of his franchise tag. This negotiation period will be pivotal not only for Smith’s career trajectory but also for the financial strategy of the Chiefs as they navigate the complexities of their payroll and roster building.
Tagging Trey Smith is a calculated and strategic move by the Kansas City Chiefs, reflecting the team’s commitment to preserving its core while positioning itself for future success. As Smith continues to develop as a player, the Chiefs align their goals with his potential, ensuring that their offensive line remains strong in hopes of reclaiming championship glory.