July 15 marks a critical deadline in the NFL offseason, but this year, it’s especially significant for just one player and team: Trey Smith and the Kansas City Chiefs. By that date, teams must finalize long-term contracts with any player who has received the franchise tag. Smith, the Chiefs’ standout right guard, is currently playing under the franchise tag, and both sides have until next Tuesday to convert his one-year deal into a multi-year agreement.
Smith’s Franchise Tag Creates Record Pay, Complicates Long-Term Contract Negotiation Efforts
Smith signed his one-year, $23.4 million franchise tender in March, making his contract fully guaranteed. The amount is notably high because the tag groups all offensive line positions together, meaning guard salaries are influenced by the higher tackle market. As a result, Smith becomes the NFL’s highest-paid guard by a margin of $2.9 million, even though the designation doesn’t account for his specific position.
Trey Smith (NFL)The Chiefs and Smith now face the task of turning his expensive one-year tag into a longer contract. A standard franchise-tag-based deal would guarantee Smith approximately $51.48 million over two years, factoring in a 20% raise for the second year. This structure would offer long-term security to Smith while maintaining a cap strategy for the team. However, striking that balance remains a challenge.
Decision Time Nears as Trey Smith Weighs Security Against Future Free Agency Risks
If no agreement is reached by July 15, Smith will play the 2025 season on his current $23.4 million deal. The Chiefs would then face the option of tagging him again in 2026 at a cost of $28.08 million, or letting him become an unrestricted free agent. For Smith, the decision is whether to accept the guaranteed one-year payout and risk next year’s outcome or secure a long-term deal now.
Trey Smith, a sixth-round pick in 2024 out of Tennessee, has proven to be a cornerstone of the Chiefs’ offensive line. He has started 67 of 68 regular-season games and played every snap in 13 postseason matchups. His consistency, durability, and performance give him strong leverage in contract negotiations, but it remains to be seen whether that will be enough to finalize a deal before the looming deadline.
