The Kansas City Chiefs have locked down a key part of their offensive line, agreeing to a four-year, $94 million contract extension with right guard Trey Smith, sources told ESPN. The deal includes $70 million in guarantees, making it the most guaranteed money ever given to a guard.
Smith, 26, was the final NFL player on a franchise tag before Tuesday’s deadline. The Chiefs had placed the $23.4 million tag on him in February, aiming to secure a long-term extension before the season.
With this deal now done, no players will play under the franchise tag in 2025.
A sixth-round pick in 2021, Smith has become a vital piece in Kansas City’s protection for quarterback Patrick Mahomes. He earned his first Pro Bowl selection last season and has started 80 of 81 games, including deep playoff runs and Super Bowl victories.
Despite past medical concerns around blood clots during his college career at Tennessee, Smith has been one of the Chiefs’ most durable and consistent linemen.
The extension completes the Chiefs’ overhaul of their offensive line this offseason. With left tackle Jaylon Moore and rookie Kingsley Suamataia joining All-Pro center Creed Humphrey and right tackle Jawaan Taylor, Kansas City now has a retooled front to protect Mahomes.
The team also drafted left tackle Josh Simmons, currently recovering from a knee injury.
The move follows the trade of Joe Thuney to Chicago, which cleared $16 million in cap space. Smith’s extension was made possible by the NFL’s $279.2 million salary cap for 2025—higher than Kansas City had anticipated.
General manager Brett Veach and coach Andy Reid prioritized retaining Smith, and Mahomes quickly showed approval, posting a smile emoji on social media after the deal was reported.
Photo: Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images
