The Kansas City Chiefs have secured one of their key players by applying the non-exclusive franchise tag to right guard Trey Smith. This strategic move not only retains Smith, who has emerged as one of the premier guards in the league, but also positions him to potentially become the highest-paid guard in the NFL by 2025. General Manager Brett Veach expressed optimism about ongoing negotiations for a long-term deal, especially in light of the rising salary cap. Smith's presence is crucial for the Chiefs, particularly after their recent Super Bowl performance, where the offensive line's weaknesses were exposed. Coach Andy Reid emphasized that improving the offensive line remains a priority for the team moving forward.