The Kansas City Chiefs have made a strategic decision regarding their young and talented guard, Trey Smith, by employing the franchise tag. This move, confirmed by a source to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, serves as a proactive step to retain the promising player amidst an increasingly competitive free agent market. Utilizing the franchise tag means that the Chiefs are required to offer Smith a one-year contract valued at approximately $23.4 million, positioning him as a potential highest-paid guard in the league. Until now, the title belonged to Philadelphia Eagles’ Landon Dickerson, who is contracted for $21 million annually.
The deadline for teams to implement the franchise tag is Monday at 4 p.m. ET, creating an urgent atmosphere for franchises. In this case, though, the Chiefs have successfully secured Smith’s services, ensuring that he will remain a critical component of their offensive line for at least another season. However, this is merely a temporary solution; the franchise tag gives the Chiefs and Smith until July 15 to negotiate a more extended deal. Failing to reach an agreement by that date means Smith will play under the franchise tender for the entire 2025 season.
Trey Smith’s journey to becoming a Pro Bowl guard has been anything but typical. Drafted in the sixth round in 2021 from the University of Tennessee, concerns regarding a serious blood-clotting condition kept him from being selected earlier. Many experts believed he had a much higher pedigree than where he was picked, and the Chiefs capitalized on this opportunity. Since then, Smith has swiftly become a linchpin of Kansas City’s offensive structure.
Throughout his four seasons with the Chiefs, Smith has demonstrated resilience and skill, starting in 67 out of 68 regular-season games. His consistency has remained impeccable, even extending to postseason play, where he has yet to miss a start in 13 games. His impact was particularly noted in the 2024 season, where he achieved remarkable metrics, ranking 13th in pass block win rate (93.9%) and sixth in run block win rate (career peak of 75.1%).
Smith’s performance metrics highlight his importance to the Chiefs and provide quantifiable evidence of his skill set. Allowing just 1.5 sacks according to NFL Next Gen Stats, coupled with a meager two penalties, demonstrates his reliability and discipline on the field. His efforts did not go unnoticed, culminating in his first Pro Bowl selection after finishing in the top four for pass rush win rates across his tenure. Notably, he ranked second in both 2021 and 2023, indicating a consistent upward trajectory in performance.
The Chiefs’ choice to franchise Smith signifies their commitment to maintaining a robust offensive line, a crucial aspect of their team dynamics as they continue to compete at high levels. As discussions for a long-term contract loom, both Smith and the organization will have to find common ground that reflects his market value while considering the team’s salary cap constraints.
Trey Smith’s ascent as a premier guard in football holds significant implications for the Chiefs’ future. The decision to franchise tag him underscores their recognition of his contributions and potential, ensuring that he remains integral to their championship aspirations. As negotiations unfold, the future looks promising for both Smith and the Kansas City franchise.
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