The Kansas City Chiefs are focused on maintaining their championship-level roster, and right guard Trey Smith is a major part of those plans. After placing the franchise tag on Smith earlier this offseason, making him the highest-paid guard in the league at $23.402 million for one year, the Chiefs are aiming to secure a long-term extension.
General manager Brett Veach addressed Smith’s contract situation during his pre-draft press conference, making it clear that the team intends to finalize a deal once the 2025 NFL Draft concludes. With both sides in regular contact, it’s only a matter of time before pen meets paper.
Brett Veach Confirms Talks With Trey Smith Will Resume After Draft
Veach was candid in his remarks about Smith’s future in Kansas City, stating the desire to lock down the 25-year-old Pro Bowler long-term is mutual.
Chiefs GM Brett Veach on contract negotiations with Pro Bowl OL Trey Smith: "Hopefully we get that done. There's no lack of interest or will or desire on our end. … There's no secret there that we'd like to get Trey locked up"https://t.co/rbpsLZ7RIw pic.twitter.com/bdI1ZqEZi7
— Around The NFL (@AroundTheNFL) April 18, 2025
“Hopefully we get that done. There’s no lack of interest or will or desire on our end,” Veach told reporters on Thursday.
Veach explained that Smith’s agency, Creative Artists Agency (CAA), is currently focused on managing several 2025 draft prospects. He said negotiations have included “multiple phone calls, multiple emails” and indicated that discussions will resume in earnest once the draft is complete.
CAA, one of the most prominent sports agencies, is expected to shift its attention to client contract talks after the draft chaos settles. Veach believes that once both sides are fully available, progress will be made quickly.
Chiefs Prioritize Long-Term Deal With Pro Bowl Guard Trey Smith
The decision to tag Smith followed the tough decision to trade veteran guard Joe Thuney to the Chicago Bears for a 2026 fourth-round pick. Financial flexibility was key, as the Chiefs already committed significant money to Creed Humphrey and Jawaan Taylor.
Veach reaffirmed that while the team can’t pay everyone, Smith is a player they’re committed to keeping.
“Once this draft process ends, we’ll be in discussions with Trey trying to get him done,” Veach added. “There’s no secret there. We’d like to get Trey locked up.”
Smith, a sixth-round pick in 2021, has become one of the league’s most dependable right guards and earned his first Pro Bowl selection last season. With Thuney gone, Smith is now expected to step into a larger leadership role along the offensive line.
NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport highlighted the Chiefs’ commitment to Trey Smith in an X post:
“#Chiefs GM Brett Veach confirms they’re optimistic about extending Pro Bowl RG Trey Smith after the draft. ‘We want him here long-term.’”
As Kansas City wraps up its draft preparations, fans can expect movement on Smith’s deal shortly afterward.