The clock is ticking on Trey Smith’s contract situation, but the Kansas City Chiefs’ Pro Bowl guard isn’t sweating it.
With just four days left until the July 15 deadline, Smith is staying focused on what he can control while letting his agents handle the business side of things.
Will the Kansas City Chiefs Lock Up Trey Smith Before July 15?
Earlier this summer, Kansas City applied the non-exclusive franchise tag on Smith, securing a one-year, fully guaranteed contract worth $23.4 million for the 2025 season. While that makes him currently the highest-paid guard in the NFL, it also delays the long-term deal that many believe he deserves.
For Smith, though, the noise isn’t a distraction. During an appearance on the “Up & Adams Show,” he said, “I’ll leave it to the hands of my agents. Obviously, the front office and staff of the Chiefs are elite. At the end of the day, I’ll let them take care of it. I just have to focus on being the best version of myself. Being the best football player and preparing for training camp.”
Is Trey Smith getting an extension before the July 15th deadline? 🤔@heykayadams | @treysmith #ChiefsKingdom pic.twitter.com/WF4kE2LcaD
— Up & Adams (@UpAndAdamsShow) July 10, 2025
That attitude perfectly captures who Smith is as a player. He’s not alarmed by the looming negotiations or the strict July 15 deadline to hammer out a multi-year agreement. Instead, he’s focusing on his strengths: being dependable, hardworking, and setting an example both on and off the field.
His performance backs up this approach. Smith gave up just one sack during the entire 2024 season, including the playoffs, and that came in the Super Bowl. Beyond protecting Patrick Mahomes and anchoring a unit that’s been essential to Kansas City’s championship runs, his reliability has become vital to the Chiefs’ offensive identity.
How Does Smith Handle the Contract Pressure?
Other teams can technically negotiate with Smith under the non-exclusive franchise tag, but the Chiefs have the right to match any offer or receive two first-round picks in return. However, Kansas City would arguably prefer to avoid that scenario with a player of Smith’s caliber altogether.
Read More: What Is the NFL Franchise Tag, and How Does It Work? (Updated 2025)
Smith isn’t worried about the fine print right now. He’s locked in on the field. Still, there’s no denying that both sides feel the pressure to get something done quickly. Durable, dependable, and dominant, he’s been everything a team could ask for in a player and has earned the kind of stability that comes with a long-term deal.
Whether 2025 turns out to be his final season in red and gold or just another chapter in his lengthy Chiefs career, Smith handles it all with poise and composure. When training camp opens and the team needs him ready to go, he’ll be locked in and prepared to deliver.
