The Kansas City Chiefs found an absolute steal in the 6th round of the 2021 NFL Draft, selecting right guard Trey Smith 226th overall. Since then, Smith has developed into one of the league’s top guards with 80 regular-season and postseason starts in his first four years in the NFL, as well as two Super Bowls and one Pro Bowl selection in 2024. He arguably had his best year as a pro in 2024, posting the fewest pressures, hurries, and sacks.
Smith gave up 34 pressures, 27 hurries, six quarterback hits, and one sack in 20 starts. He also posted a 65.7 pass-blocking, a 77.9 run-blocking, and a 75.1 overall PFF grade. The Pro Bowler finished 29th in pass-blocking, 9th in run-blocking, and 13th in overall grade among 56 qualified offensive guards who played a minimum of 50% of snaps.
The Kansas City Chiefs franchise tagged him in February
On February 27th, the Chiefs placed a non-exclusive franchise tag tender on Trey Smith worth $23.4 million, fully guaranteed for the 2025 season. He is currently the eighth-highest-paid offensive lineman and the highest-paid interior offensive lineman in NFL history. Despite franchise tagging him, the Chiefs have expressed interest in locking him into a long-term contract extension.
Also Read: Chiefs Franchise Tag Pro Bowl Guard Trey Smith for 1st Bright Offseason Move
The Kansas City Chiefs to resume contract talks with star offensive lineman
During Thursday’s press conference, General Manager Brett Veach told the media that they have had numerous contract talks with Trey Smith’s agents since the NFL Scouting Combine and have continued through the owners’ meetings. Although discussions have been ongoing and a deal isn’t imminent, Veach hopes to resume the conversations and figure it out after the draft.
“Hopefully we get that done,” Veach said via Josh Alper of Pro Football Talk. “There is no lack of interest, will, or desire on our end. We did have a ton of talk at the Combine. Those conversations have continued on through the owner’s meetings. . . . We’ve exchanged multiple phone calls, multiple emails. My guess is once the draft’s over and our focus is back on taking care of the players that are here . . . I’m sure once things settle down on both ends, we will be able to continue this dialogue and hopefully make some progress there.”
Here’s a look at PFF’s projected contract for Trey Smith
- Contract Length: 4 years
- Average Per Year: $21.5 million
- Total Contract Amount: $86 million
- Total Guaranteed: $52.5 million
