The Kansas City Chiefs are taking one of free agency's most intriguing options off the market. According to Fox Sports' Jordan Schultz, the Chiefs intend to place the franchise tag on guard Trey Smith while they continue negotiating a long-term deal.
BREAKING: The #Chiefs will be placing the franchise tag on Pro Bowl G Trey Smith, sources tell @NFLonFOX. The goal is still to work out a long-term deal, but for now, the tag ensures he stays in Kansas City. Negotiations will continue. pic.twitter.com/N08kyptDlB
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) February 27, 2025
Smith has been an exceptional, reliable presence for the Chiefs offensive line ever since they nabbed him in the sixth round of the 2021 NFL Draft. Over 67 starts, he has helped pave the way in the run game and limited inside pressure in the passing game.
Smith is huge for a guard at 6'6" and 321 lbs, and he's still only 25 years old. He's coming off his first-ever Pro Bowl, and he could have many more ahead of him.
Still, paying Smith shouldn't be an obvious decision for the Chiefs. They've already invested very, very heavily in their offensive line. Creed Humphrey, Jawaan Taylor, and Joe Thuney are all some of the league's highest-paid players at their positions, and paying a fourth offensive lineman big money may not be tenable.
For all their success, the Chiefs offensive line hasn't been perfect, either. They famously struggled in Super Bowl LIX, allowing six sacks and rushing for only 49 yards, and the Chiefs have subtly been a mediocre offense the past two years, averaging 22.2 points per game and 5.3 yards per play since 2023.
It's also worth noting that guards are typically a poor value on the franchise tag, because the formula used to set the tender includes all offensive linemen. The $23.4 million Smith will now be guaranteed on the tag will be significant leverage in negotiations.
Given the continuous swelling of the salary cap, Smith can probably expect to become the league's highest-paid player at right guard. Currently, that honor belongs to Atlanta Falcons guard Chris Lindstrom, who signed a five-year, $102.5 million extension in 2023.
The Chiefs clearly trust what they have in Smith, and he'll no doubt provide consistency and chemistry on their offensive line for years to come. Still, giving him a huge contract will make it more difficult to divvy resources to some of their glaring roster weaknesses, like wide receiver. The Chiefs better know what they're doing.
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