The Chiefs President officially Committed $23 Million Move With Former Tennessee Football Star.

The Kansas City Chiefs have made a significant move to retain their offensive line strength by applying the franchise tag to standout guard Trey Smith. This decision ensures Smith remains with the team for the 2025 season under a fully guaranteed one-year contract worth $23.4 million, positioning him as the highest-paid guard in NFL history. citeturn0search2

Trey Smith, a former University of Tennessee star, has been instrumental in the Chiefs’ offensive success since being drafted. His consistent performance and leadership on the field have made him a cornerstone of the offensive line, providing essential protection for quarterback Patrick Mahomes and creating running lanes for the backfield.

The franchise tag not only secures Smith’s presence for the upcoming season but also provides both parties additional time to negotiate a long-term contract. Chiefs’ General Manager Brett Veach has expressed optimism about reaching a multi-year agreement, emphasizing Smith’s value to the team’s future. citeturn0search2

This move comes at a critical time for the Chiefs, who are currently navigating salary cap challenges. As of February 27, 2025, the team faced a negative salary cap space of $16.9 million. citeturn0news10 Applying the franchise tag to Smith, while ensuring his retention, adds a significant financial commitment to the team’s payroll. This decision underscores the Chiefs’ prioritization of maintaining a robust offensive line to support their high-powered offense.

Smith’s journey from a collegiate athlete at Tennessee to a pivotal player for the Chiefs highlights his development and the team’s investment in nurturing talent. His performance has not only earned him recognition within the organization but has also set a benchmark for offensive guards league-wide.

In summary, the Chiefs’ decision to franchise tag Trey Smith reflects their commitment to sustaining offensive excellence and retaining key players who contribute to the team’s success. As negotiations for a long-term contract continue, both Smith and the Chiefs aim to solidify a partnership that will anchor the offensive line for years to come.