This week, rumors circulated that the Kansas City Chiefs and All-Pro Guard Trey Smith were working on a contract extension, so the team added a layer of insurance to those talks.
On Thursday, the optimism generated by General Manager Brett Veach at the NFL Combine this week in signing All-Pro Guard Trey Smith to an extension appears to be getting serious. So much so that the Chiefs, per Jordan Schultz on X, Kansas City is placing the franchise tag on Smith.
The former 2021 sixth-round pick of the Chiefs is set to become a free agent in March. However, with signs pointing that the two sides were nowhere close to a deal two weeks ago, the NFL announced that the 2025 salary cap is nearly $280 Million.
Now, he’s guaranteed to earn $23.1 Million in 2025.
With the extra money in hand and talks ongoing with Smith and his agents, the Chiefs wisely hedged their bet. This scenario also presents the same scenario the team had with cornerback L’Jarius Sneed a year ago when they placed the franchise tag on him. Ultimately, he was traded to the Tennessee Titans for a third-round pick.
However, as the premier guard in the NFL, Smith’s trade compensation will easily surpass what the Chiefs obtained from the Titans.
The Chiefs could now do the same thing with Smith if the two sides can’t agree on an extension. Smith still has to agree to sign the franchise tag, but we’re far from that scenario. It’s still early, but ChiefsBlitz.com has confirmed that the two sides have presented their numbers and want to hammer out an extension.
— Chiefs Blitz (@ChiefsBlitz) February 27, 2025
BREAKING
The #Chiefs are placing the franchise tag on Pro Bowl guard Trey Smith.
The goal is still to work out a long-term deal, but for now, the tag ensures he stays in Kansas City. Negotiations will continue.
Per, @Schultz_Report. pic.twitter.com/kvNhNHpHiH
Kansas City would have a hard time replacing Smith, and if the Chiefs are serious about protecting their franchise quarterback, as they indicated at the NFL combine, retaining Smith is the highest priority they face this off-season.
Now that Travis Kelce is officially back for one final season, the Chiefs cap situation is tighter, especially if Smith signs a long-term deal. However, they have some flexibility in Patrick Mahomes’ contract that could create upwards of $30 Million in additional cap space.
Either way, it appears Smith will remain in Kansas City in 2025.
