5 Chiefs Entering Their Last Season in Kansas City
By Joe Summers
The Chiefs are in the midst of an exciting offseason as the organization tries to become the first in NFL history to win three consecutive Super Bowls. Kansas City enjoyed an excellent draft, continuing a recent trend, and the foundation looks set for the next several years.
However, Brett Veach's ability to identify great prospects and signings now leaves the Chiefs with difficult decisions to make moving forward. Nick Bolton, Creed Humphrey, Trey Smith, Justin Reid, and more are all entering the final years of their contracts, and it's not possible under the salary cap to keep everyone.
While the roster will mostly look the same in 2024-25, it'll likely undergo significant changes after that. Let's take a look at five Chiefs entering their final season with the organization.
5 Chiefs Entering Their Last Season
1. Trey Smith - RG
Trey Smith is one of the best right guards in the NFL and will likely command a huge contract. I'd love to keep him in Kansas City and he's a fan favorite for good reason, though I believe Brett Veach will ultimately prioritize keeping Creed Humphrey instead.
Last week, the Eagles signed a four-year, $84 million extension with Landon Dickerson to make him the highest paid guard in the league. Smith will likely command a similar contract given his age, leadership, and production, and I don't think the Chiefs will pay top dollar for two interior offensive linemen.
I could be wrong, of course, though I think this is the last year we'll see Smith in a Chiefs uniform. The 6'6", 321 LB former sixth-round pick plays with a fierce tenacity that sets the tone along the line.
He's excellent in both pass and run blocking and has helped give Kansas City one of the NFL's most stout interior offensive lines since being drafted in 2021. Losing Smith would represent a big blow to the offense, but guards are likely ultimately easier to replace in the grand scheme of things.
Joe Thuney still has two years left on his deal, though the Chiefs do have a potential out after this season. I believe they'll sign Humphrey, let Smith walk and see how things go with a replacement guard alongside Thuney. That being said, I fully expect Smith to dominate in a contract year and drive his value even higher.