The biggest storyline facing the Kansas City Chiefs ahead of training camp revolved around the ongoing Trey Smith contract saga. One of the best interior offensive linemen in football, Smith was on the franchise tag but had until 3:00 CT on Tuesday to agree to a long-term deal.
After trading away left guard Joe Thuney, the Chiefs had little leverage in this situation. Smith and Creed Humphrey are stalwarts on the line, and fans have seen plenty of examples in recent years illustrating the importance of giving three-time Super Bowl MVP Patrick Mahomes an acceptable group in the trenches.
Fortunately for Kansas City, a resolution has been reached. It’s one that justifies the Thuney trade, and Chiefs Kingdom should be thrilled.
Pro-Bowl guard Trey Smith and the Chiefs reached agreement just ahead of today’s franchise-tag deadline on a four-year, $92 million deal that includes $70 million guaranteed and makes him the highest-paid guard in NFL history, ESPN’s sources tell me and @ByNateTaylor.
It’s the…
https://twitter.com/AdamSchefter/status/1945177328750821636?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
Chiefs’ New Trey Smith Contract Extension Justifies Joe Thuney Trade
As reported by Adam Schefter and Nate Taylor of The Athletic, the Chiefs and Smith agreed to a record-breaking four-year deal worth $92 million with $70 million guaranteed. It makes Smith the highest-paid guard in NFL history, and now the organization can fully turn its attention to training camp.
Smith made his first Pro Bowl team in 2024, but his impact is well-known. Originally a sixth-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft out of Tennessee, Smith quickly established himself as one of the steals of the draft. There’s no question that he’s earned this contract, though the impacts are far-reaching.
Losing both Thuney and Smith in the same calendar year would’ve been incomprehensible. Smith is only 26 years old while Thuney is 34, so Kansas City elected to invest in the future and what Smith could continue to become instead of relying on the savvy veteran. It’s a gamble, but general manager Brett Veach typically knows how to maximize value.
The presumptive starting offensive line is now first-rounder Josh Simmons, Kingsley Suamataia, Humphrey, Smith, and Jawaan Taylor. Simmons and Suamataia are locked into position battles, yet fans generally have an idea of what the starting group with look like.
More importantly, and most impressively, Smith represents the fourth of six 2021 draft picks that have signed second contracts with the franchise. Veach is a master at identifying talent in the draft, and this is just the latest example that proves it.
He always has a plan. Losing Thuney will hurt, but keeping Smith makes it all worthwhile.
