Reports have emerged indicating that the Kansas City Chiefs have decided to retain their standout offensive lineman for another season. According to several media outlets, the team is set to utilize the franchise tag on Pro Bowl guard Trey Smith. By employing this strategy, the Chiefs will secure the services of the 25-year-old player for a further year through a fully guaranteed contract reportedly valued at $23.4 million, elevating Smith to the position of the highest-paid guard in the league.
The franchise tag serves as a mechanism for teams to prevent valuable players from departing during free agency. While the Chiefs are still intent on negotiating a long-term agreement with Smith, as reported by multiple sources, the implementation of the tag offers a temporary solution to keep him within their ranks.
Having been selected from the University of Tennessee, Smith has swiftly risen to prominence as one of the premier linemen in the NFL during his four-year tenure. With his rookie contract set to expire, Smith had garnered significant interest as a top free agent this offseason before Kansas City intervened to retain him.
A distinguished figure within the Chiefs’ roster, Smith boasts an impressive track record that includes two Super Bowl victories and a Pro Bowl selection in 2024. His pivotal role in Kansas City’s offensive line was particularly noticeable following the team’s recent Super Bowl defeat, where issues with the O-line were prominently highlighted.
