In a significant development for the Kansas City Chiefs, reports have confirmed that the franchise plans to use the franchise tag on Pro Bowl guard Trey Smith. This decision, described by sources close to the team and reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter, serves to protect Smith from entering free agency and ensures he remains a crucial component of the Chiefs’ offensive line. The application of the franchise tag mandates that the Chiefs provide Smith with a one-year contract, projected to be around $23.4 million, effectively elevating him to the status of the highest-paid guard in the NFL.
The timing of this move is critical, as the deadline for employing the franchise tag is set for Monday at 4 p.m. ET. After this deadline, the Chiefs and Smith will enter a negotiation period until July 15 to potentially agree on a long-term deal. Should both parties fail to reach an agreement, Smith will play the 2025 season under the constraints of the franchise tender, a situation that could pose risks for both sides. While this tag secures Smith’s presence for at least another year, it also highlights the complexities associated with balancing financial commitments and team dynamics.
Trey Smith’s journey to this pivotal career moment is noteworthy, particularly considering his draft positioning. Selected in the sixth round of the 2021 NFL Draft, Smith’s talent was somewhat overshadowed by medical concerns stemming from a blood clot issue he faced during his college years at the University of Tennessee. However, his on-field performance quickly silenced critics. Since joining the Chiefs, Smith has been a pillar of reliability, starting an impressive 67 of 68 regular-season games, and maintaining an uninterrupted streak in the postseason.
His ascent has been mirrored in the statistics, as Smith consistently demonstrated elite abilities in both pass and run blocking. In the recent 2024 season, he secured a ranking of 13th among guards in pass block win rate (93.9%) and an impressive 6th in run block win rate (75.1%). These metrics underscore his value to the Chiefs and offer a glimpse into his exceptional skill set, reflected in his selection to the Pro Bowl for the first time this past season.
The Future for the Chiefs and Trey Smith
The decision to franchise tag Smith aligns with the Chiefs’ broader strategic vision of maintaining a competitive roster. Protecting their investment in a young, talented guard illustrates their commitment to fortifying the offensive line, a building block for any successful team. As negotiations progress, both sides will need to weigh the benefits of a long-term contract against the constraints of the franchise tag. For Smith, this moment represents not only a financial milestone but also an opportunity to cement his legacy within a franchise known for its successes.
As the Chiefs approach the upcoming season, the spotlight will remain on Trey Smith, whose performance could shape the trajectory of the team. The coming months will be pivotal, not just for Smith’s career but for the Kansas City Chiefs as they aim to continue their tradition of excellence in the NFL.
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