Kansas City Chiefs offensive guard Trey Smith is focused on returning to the field after receiving a one-year franchise tag worth $23.4 million, fully guaranteed for the 2025 season. In a recent interview, Smith expressed confidence in his agents, Jimmy Sexton and Tory Dandy, and the Chiefs' front office, as he navigates contract extension discussions. Emphasizing his commitment to continuous improvement, Smith aims to contribute positively to the team's pursuit of another Super Bowl title.

Drafted in the sixth round of the 2021 NFL Draft, Smith has quickly established himself as a top-tier offensive lineman, playing a pivotal role in the Chiefs’ recent Super Bowl victories. His diligent approach and team-first mentality exemplify the values that have propelled the Chiefs to the forefront of the NFL.

Trey Smith, the Kansas City Chiefs' Pro Bowl offensive lineman, expressed his intent to secure a long-term contract with the team during an appearance on the 'Up & Adams Show.' Smith highlighted his affection for Kansas City and the Chiefs, emphasizing the strong connection he feels with both the fans and the organization. He stated that while he is currently focused on training, his ideal situation is to remain with the Chiefs, where he has developed into one of the league's premier offensive linemen since being drafted in 2021.

Smith is currently under the franchise tag, which guarantees him $23.4 million for the upcoming season. However, if no long-term agreement is reached by July 15, he will play under the franchise tag in 2025. Both he and the Chiefs face a pivotal moment as they navigate negotiations that could solidify his future in Kansas City.

As NFL teams gear up for next season, the landscape of free agency in 2026 is taking shape, with several star players set to hit the market. T.J. Watt of the Pittsburgh Steelers leads the list after consistently dominating as a linebacker, while Tee Higgins of the Cincinnati Bengals is poised to attract significant attention following two years of being franchise tagged. Other notable names include Danielle Hunter from the Houston Texans, and promising tight end Trey McBride from the Arizona Cardinals, who made his Pro Bowl debut last year.

Alongside these stars, offensive lineman Trey Smith from the Kansas City Chiefs and Kaleb McGary of the Atlanta Falcons have established themselves as key players in their respective positions. The 2026 free agency class is shaping up to be a vibrant mix of seasoned veterans and emerging talents, making it a critical moment for franchises looking to bolster their rosters.

The Kansas City Chiefs have successfully re-signed linebacker Nick Bolton to a lucrative three-year, $45 million contract, with $30 million fully guaranteed. This strategic move solidifies Bolton’s position as one of the top off-ball linebackers in the league, now earning the fifth highest average salary for his position. Last season, he recorded notable statistics, including 106 tackles and three sacks, showcasing his crucial role in the Chiefs' defensive strategies.

Bolton's contract comes amid other significant roster moves by the Chiefs, including franchise tagging guard Trey Smith. The organization is clearly focused on reinforcing its defensive strength heading into the upcoming season, where Bolton's performance will be pivotal for their playoff aspirations.

The Kansas City Chiefs are making significant moves this offseason, starting with the announcement that tight end Travis Kelce will return for his 13th season. The Chiefs have placed the transition franchise tag on right guard Trey Smith, which temporarily puts them over the salary cap. Veteran lineman Joe Thuney has been traded to the Chicago Bears for a future draft pick, which will help the Chiefs manage their cap situation. With the addition of Kingsley Suamataia to the left guard position, the Chiefs now face a pressing need for a left tackle to protect Patrick Mahomes.

As the draft approaches, the Chiefs might be looking to trade up for a premier tackle. Missouri’s Armand Membou and LSU’s Will Campbell are top prospects, while Josh Simmons from Ohio State stands out as a potential late-first round pick. Simmons' injury history may allow the Chiefs to snag him at a lower position, but other teams may also be eyeing him. If he’s available at the right spot, Kansas City could employ similar strategies to last year, when they moved up for Xavier Worthy. Expect them to be aggressive in pursuing their ideal left tackle.