When the Kansas City Chiefs used the franchise tag on guard Trey Smith, they thought they would offer a quick extension. So, what’s the delay? Offensive line, despite whatever people think, is a premium position. Since the dawn of time, every quarterback has needed a row of solid blockers in front of him to succeed.
As a result, salaries have increased due to the shortage of talented linemen. While you can always find someone to play in the trenches, seeing a player succeed consistently requires investments in time and resources.
Chiefs OG Trey Smith’s Contract Situation Nears Deadline, Asserts NFL Insider
Fresh off a Super Bowl where the Philadelphia Eagles manhandled their offensive line, the Chiefs continue to examine options. Additionally, seeing opposing tackles dribble your quarterback’s body off the turf ignites the need for possible change. However, without addressing the guard position in the draft, the team looks locked into Smith continuing his role as the starting right guard.
However, when the team placed the franchise tag on the Pro Bowler, they set into motion a clock and a deadline that could affect the team over the long haul. Charles Goldman of AtoZSports assesses the situation.
“Deadlines spur action in the NFL, and I tend to think a deal will be done between the Chiefs and Trey Smith as we approach the July 15 deadline for long-term extensions for players on the franchise tag. As I wrote a week ago, it’d be a significant risk for Smith to go into the 2025 NFL season absent a long-term deal.
“Sure, the Chiefs could franchise tag him again in 2026 and pay him over $50M for the next two seasons. That’s provided he stays healthy, which isn’t a guarantee. I’m not sure I’d make that gamble if I were him.”
The Chiefs have 13 days to work out a deal with the 26-year-old. If they don’t, he will enter free agency next spring. Now, the front office can work this in a couple of ways. First, if they break the bank and extend Smith, that will secure a vital spot up front that they will count on for the next half-decade.
Or, they can let the season play out, and the former Tennessee product will hit the market and probably receive the security of a long-term deal. Now, this is where the film of the Super Bowl enters the frame. While Smith, throughout his career, has surrendered eight sacks and 20 hits, the 141 pressures hurt. In addition, tacking on 33 penalties paints a grim picture.
Nolan Smith destroys Trey Smith my goodness 👀 #Eagles #SuperBowl pic.twitter.com/qr5r2UT8Qg
— Clay Harbor (@clayharbs82) February 10, 2025
The Kansas City front office can move on from Smith by all rights if his salary demands and production do not align. However, they assume significant risk. What if Smith plays it safe this season and alters his style to stay healthy and cash in next season? On top of that, what happens to the other players facing free agency who helped the franchise win multiple Super Bowls?
