The Kansas City Chiefs have officially placed the franchise tag on Pro Bowl guard Trey Smith, ensuring he remains with the team for the upcoming season. This tag obligates the Chiefs to offer Smith a one-year contract worth approximately $23.4 million, making him the highest-paid guard in the NFL. Smith's performance has been stellar, ranking 13th in pass block win rate and 6th in run block win rate in 2024, while allowing just 1.5 sacks throughout the year.

Having been drafted in 2021 as a sixth-round pick, Smith has quickly established himself as a key player for the Chiefs, starting 67 out of 68 regular-season games and not missing a single postseason start. The franchise tag will keep him off the free agent market, allowing the Chiefs until July 15 to negotiate a long-term deal with the talented offensive lineman.

The Kansas City Chiefs are set to franchise tag guard Trey Smith, offering him a one-year deal worth $23.4 million. This landmark move will make Smith the highest-paid guard in the NFL, as typically, guards are tagged at the same salary level as tackles. While the franchise tag ensures Smith's presence on the team for the upcoming season, the Chiefs remain hopeful for a long-term deal by the July 15 deadline. Since being drafted in the sixth round in 2021, Smith has been a consistent starter, participating in 67 out of 68 games. Last season, he earned his first Pro Bowl selection, showcasing impressive blocking metrics, including a 93.9% pass block win rate.

The Kansas City Chiefs are taking decisive steps to secure the future of their offensive line by planning to franchise tag right guard Trey Smith, a move that signals their commitment to both immediate stability and long-term negotiations. Smith, who earned his first Pro Bowl selection in 2024, showcased outstanding performance by leading the league in pass-blocking snaps without allowing a sack.

This franchise tag will lock Smith into a one-year deal worth $23.4 million, fully guaranteed, allowing the Chiefs to focus on fortifying their offensive line. General manager Brett Veach has already invested significantly in the line, making All-Pro center Creed Humphrey the highest-paid player at his position and signing right tackle Jawaan Taylor to a lucrative contract. As such, ensuring Smith’s continued presence is pivotal for quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who faced a career-high in sacks last season.

While the interior line now has Smith, Humphrey, and Joe Thuney secured, the Chiefs still need to address the tackle positions to improve Mahomes' protection. The decision to tag Smith could also influence other roster decisions, particularly regarding Jawaan Taylor, who has been the most penalized player in the league. The Chiefs face a tough offseason ahead, but these strategic moves look to provide a solid foundation for continued success.