Chiefs Secure One of Their Best Players
The Kansas City Chiefs have made a significant move to secure one of their most valuable assets, guard Trey Smith. According to several reports surfacing on Thursday afternoon, the Chiefs have informed Smith that they will be using the franchise tag on him. This decision ensures that Smith, who has emerged as one of the league’s top guards, will not hit the open market next month.
A Rising Star in the NFL
Trey Smith, now 25 years old, was initially drafted by the Chiefs in the sixth round of the 2021 NFL Draft. Despite the low draft position, Smith has quickly proven his worth, becoming a cornerstone of the Chiefs’ offensive line. Over the past four seasons, he has started in 67 out of 68 regular-season games and all 13 of the Chiefs’ postseason games. Smith’s consistency and performance have been instrumental, contributing to the Chiefs’ back-to-back Super Bowl victories in LVII and LVIII, as well as their appearance in Super Bowl LIX earlier this month.
Recognition and Value
Smith’s exceptional play has not gone unnoticed. He recently ranked No. 3 on Pro Football Talk’s (PFT) list of the top 100 free agents for 2025, highlighting his status as one of the most sought-after players in the league. Despite earlier reports suggesting that the Chiefs were not expected to franchise tag Smith, the team’s decision reflects his immense value to the organization. The franchise tag is a strategic move that allows the Chiefs to retain Smith while they work on a long-term contract extension.
A Strategic Move for the Chiefs
The Chiefs have a history of using the franchise tag judiciously. Last year, they tagged cornerback L’Jarius Sneed, who was later traded to the Tennessee Titans in late March. This year, however, the team’s intentions seem different. According to reports, the Chiefs are actively interested in signing Smith to a long-term deal. This move would solidify the Chiefs’ offensive line, keeping Smith alongside Joe Thuney at left guard and Creed Humphrey at center, forming one of the league’s best interior line tandems.
Financial Implications
The financial implications of the franchise tag are significant. Once Smith signs his tender, as noted by Ian Rapoport of NFL Media, he will be guaranteed $23.4 million on a one-year deal. This substantial sum underscores the Chiefs’ commitment to retaining Smith and reflects his market value. The one-year deal also provides both the Chiefs and Smith with the flexibility to negotiate a long-term contract during the upcoming season.
Looking Ahead
The Chiefs’ decision to franchise tag Trey Smith is a clear indication of their confidence in his abilities and his importance to the team’s future success. By securing Smith, the Chiefs maintain a dominant offensive line and keep one of their best players off the open market. The next step will be for the Chiefs and Smith to negotiate a long-term deal that benefits both parties, ensuring that one of the league’s top guards remains a vital part of the Chiefs’ roster for years to come.
