When the Super Bowl ended in heartbreak for Kansas City, one glaring truth emerged: Patrick Mahomes’ protection must improve.
In 2024, Mahomes was sacked an unprecedented 36 times-the most of his career-and in Super Bowl LIX alone, he was taken down six times. To prevent a repeat performance, the Chiefs turned to their offensive line-especially guard Trey Smith-to protect their franchise quarterback.
Smith delivered in a big way last season. Earning his first Pro Bowl nod, he logged the fourth-most snaps at right guard and proved durable and effective in his fourth year. At just 26, he’s entering the prime of his career.
That’s why Kansas City placed the non-exclusive franchise tag on him-locking in a fully guaranteed one-year salary of $23.4 million, the highest ever for an interior lineman. Under this arrangement, Smith has become one of the top-paid players on the roster.
From Smith’s standpoint, taking the franchise tag was a smart move. He pocketed a massive payout without igniting a holdout battle-unlike more tumultuous past negotiations involving teammates like Chris Jones.
Jones praised Smith for avoiding drama, saying, “Don’t take no advice from me” and calling his decision “doing the right thing.” Jones, who held out in 2023 before eventually landing a one-year deal and later a $95 million extension, commended Smith’s pragmatic play. It was a clear vote of confidence from a locker-room leader.
Yet behind the scenes, the clock is ticking: July 15 is the deadline for a long-term contract. After that, Kansas City can franchise-tag Smith again, in which case his salary inflates to roughly $28.08 million-or risk losing him to free agency. With so much financial leverage on the table, the decision comes down to immediate cash versus long-term stability.
A pivotal offseason decision
Negotiations are zeroing in on guaranteed money, possibly around $51.5 million over two years, to convince Smith to trade the short-term payday for multiyear security.
Sports Illustrated projects that if a deal is struck, it could reach four years and $86 million, with guarantees surpassing $60 million-potentially resetting the NFL guard market. That would place Smith ahead of notable peers like Landon Dickerson, Chris Lindstrom, and Quenton Nelson.
Chiefs GM Brett Veach has signaled their intent to build around Smith by trading veteran Joe Thuney, freeing cap space and prioritizing protection for Mahomes.
Smith’s attitude reflects his faith in the process. He recently told a media outlet he’s sidelining the contract talk, trusting his agents and the elite Chiefs organization to resolve the deal, while he focuses on training camp.
For Kansas City, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Delaying could jeopardize lineup continuity and weaken Mahomes’ protection. But a timely, wellstructured contract grants both sides security and flexibility-ensuring Smith remains the dominant interior lineman the franchise desperately needs.
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