Chiefs Projected to Lose Starter in Free Agency

The Kansas City Chiefs are 8-0 for the season and look like a good bet to have another deep postseason run. With the team fully focused on their goals of a historic three-peat, they are preparing for a crucial Week 10 matchup against the Denver Broncos.

While the coaching staff and the players are concentrated on the task at hand, the front office has no choice but to think about the future. General manager Brett Veach has to constantly look for ways to keep the dynasty going.

The offseason and free agency naturally play a huge part in that. Making the right roster decisions will be one of the deciding factors for how long the Chiefs can maintain their status as the team to beat in the NFL.

One of the biggest free agency decisions will be regarding star offensive lineman Trey Smith. The starting right guard, who has been a constant factor in the Chiefs' success over the last 3.5 years, is hitting free agency. The 25-year-old will be one of the hottest names on the market and Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report projects that one of the Bears or the Arizona Cardinals will poach him.

Knox points out the growing demand for high-level interior linemen. Elite guards like Landon Dickerson, Chris Lindstrom, Robert Hunt, and Quenton Nelson all received contracts with over $20 million in annual salary. Smith has the chance to reset the market and be the highest-paid guard in the league.

The Bears have $73 million in projected cap space and a desperate need for offensive line upgrades. The Chiefs may find it difficult to match their offer for the former Tennessee standout.

Smith is a great success story for the Chiefs. Finding one of the best players in his position in the sixth round of the draft is certainly impressive, but unfortunately, he may have played himself out of a contract Kansas City could give.

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