Chiefs and Trey Smith Near Long-Term Contract Amid $23M Franchise Tag

Trey Smith, the Kansas City Chiefs' starting right guard, is currently playing under a non-exclusive franchise tag worth $23.4 million for the 2025 NFL season, with ongoing negotiations for a long-term contract extension. Smith holds significant leverage in these talks because his franchise tag salary exceeds the top market salary for his position, creating a rare and complex contract situation. Despite this, Smith showed good faith by attending the mandatory minicamp, which is seen as a positive signal for reaching a deal and avoiding a holdout. The Chiefs face a July 15 deadline to finalize an extension; failure to do so means Smith could either be tagged again or enter free agency next year. Fans and team insiders alike emphasize the importance of securing Smith, highlighting his critical role in protecting quarterback Patrick Mahomes, especially after the Chiefs’ offensive line struggles were exposed in their recent Super Bowl loss. A long-term deal for Smith is viewed as crucial for the Chiefs to maintain their competitive edge and safeguard Mahomes’ performance moving forward.