The Kansas City Chiefs are making headlines as they prepare to pay a significant amount to retain one of their standout offensive linemen, Trey Smith. According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the reigning AFC champions have reached an agreement on a four-year, $94 million contract with Smith. This landmark deal positions him as the highest-paid offensive guard in NFL history.
Fox Sports' Jordan Schultz was among the first to report that a deal was imminent, setting the stage for a major financial commitment from the Chiefs. Shortly after the news broke, Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes took to social media, expressing his excitement about the development.
In February, the Chiefs applied the franchise tag on Smith, which guaranteed him a salary of $23.4 million. This move provided both parties with a deadline of July 15 to finalize a long-term contract. The decision to place the franchise tag on Smith caught many by surprise, as previous reports indicated uncertainty about the Chiefs' ability to retain him.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler noted back in November that the Chiefs were unsure if they could keep Smith, who was anticipated to reset the guard market with a salary surpassing Landon Dickerson’s $21 million annual pay from the Philadelphia Eagles. As the offseason approached, Fowler reported that several teams viewed Smith as the top free agent available, indicating his high value across the league.
The Washington Post’s Jason La Canfora reported on February 11 that Kansas City's front office feared they might lose Smith to free agency. At that point, the Chiefs were already over the salary cap, making it challenging to envision how they could create enough financial flexibility to accommodate Smith's return. However, Kansas City’s general manager, Brett Veach, had previously navigated similar situations, notably with defensive tackle Chris Jones, who signed a $158.8 million deal last spring.
Veach’s decision to invest heavily in Smith reflects the offensive lineman's immense value to the team. At just 26 years old, Smith made his first Pro Bowl in 2024 and demonstrated exceptional skill as a run-blocker. He ranked sixth among interior linemen in run-block win rate, according to ESPN.com, underscoring his importance to the Chiefs' offensive strategy.
Furthermore, the Chiefs have learned from past experiences how critical it is to protect Mahomes. Their struggles in protecting their star quarterback contributed significantly to their losses in two recent Super Bowls. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers overwhelmed Mahomes in Super Bowl LV, while the Philadelphia Eagles posed similar challenges in Super Bowl LIX. Smith's presence on the offensive line is crucial; removing him would have left a substantial gap in Kansas City’s protection scheme.
In conclusion, the Kansas City Chiefs' commitment to Trey Smith not only emphasizes his individual talent but also highlights the team's strategic focus on bolstering their offensive line as they aim for future success. This historic contract marks a significant milestone in Smith's career and positions him as a cornerstone of the Chiefs' offense.
