The Kansas City Chiefs are no strangers to making tough personnel decisions during their championship window, and ss the July 15 deadline to negotiate a long-term contract with Trey Smith looms, Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce are likely watching with keen interest.
Playing in the right guard role, Smith, a foundational piece of the offensive line and his future at the Arrowhead Stadium could be a defining difference between postseason heartbreaks or Super Bowl glory.
Drafted in the sixth round of the 2021 NFL Draft, the 26-year-old quickly outplayed his selection. He has started every game he’s been healthy for, logging more than 50 appearances, earning Pro Bowl consideration, and securing a Super Bowl ring by his second season.
Known for his powerful presence in the run game and strong anchor in pass protection, Smith has solidified his place in the lineup-and in Mahomes’ pocket, something vital in what has been an otherwise underwhelming offensive line.
That’s part of why the Chiefs‘ general manager, Brett Veach, has expressed how keen the team are to keep him around for the long-term future and involved in Steve Spanuolo’s defensive plans.
“There’s no secret that we’d like to get Trey locked up,” Veach said, but the deadline is now looming large. If Kansas City doesn’t sign Smith to a new contract by 16:00 ET on July 15, he’ll play the 2025 season under the one-year, $23.4 million franchise tag.
After that deadline, contract talks will be off the table until after the season concludes. It’s a familiar high-stakes scenario for teams managing elite talent in a tight salary cap environment.
Why is Smith so important?
Smith isn’t just a quality starter, he’s essential to the long-term balance of Kansas City‘s roster. With Mahomes and Kelce forming the offensive heart, protecting them becomes non-negotiable.
Smith‘s extension would help stabilize the offensive line while offering cap relief through restructuring, potentially freeing up funds for other emerging defensive stars like Trent McDuffie or George Karlaftis.
Historically, the Chiefs have excelled at these moments as they inked center Creed Humphrey to a four-year, $72 million extension earlier this offseason and adjusted Mahomes‘s contract to offer flexibility. So expect a deal to be struck.
For Mahomes, having continuity up front is a necessity as the Chiefs‘ offense thrives when the line holds. Even though the quarterback is an expert at improvising, he’s best when he doesn’t have to keep one eye on defenders rushing at him.
Smith, for his part, has been quiet but clear about his mindset heading into 2025. During a team media shoot, when asked about his goals, he wrote, “Stay healthy. This is my 5th year. I enjoy eating.”
Mahomes and Kelce may not be involved in contract negotiations, but the protection of the quarterback and the success of the offense depend heavily on what happens before July 15.
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