Top 5 Chiefs Entering Contract Years in 2024
By Joe Summers
4. Trey Smith - Right Guard
Circling back to what we discussed in the Creed Humphrey section, Trey Smith represents one of the most interesting decisions the Chiefs' front office faces in the 2025 offseason. He's one of the best interior offensive linemen in the NFL and beloved in Chiefs Kingdom, though Smith's price might be too rich for Kansas City's pockets.
The 2021 sixth-round pick out of Tennessee is a monster inside, routinely taking down multiple defenders while creating space for Patrick Mahomes and Isiah Pacheco. If all contracts were equal, Smith would be an easy decision to keep on the roster.
Unfortunately, that's not how it works. The high cost of guard extensions in the current market means Smith would become one of the Chiefs' most expensive players on a new contract. Unless he's willing to take a discount, I don't think Smith will return after this season.
the Chiefs OL across the board on this Counter play.
— Nate Tice (@Nate_Tice) August 26, 2022
Center Creed Humphrey easily getting to the 3 technique and RG Trey Smith completely wipes out the nose tackle. pic.twitter.com/4CabckgowH
It's notable that the Chiefs selected three offensive linemen in the 2024 NFL Draft. Brett Veach typically backfills positions that have starters coming up for contracts and it looks like Kansas City is preparing for an eventual departure.
I'd love to see the team keep Smith long-term and offer him an extension, but that's only possible if the Chiefs say goodbye to another important player.
Given the positional value and that Joe Thuney has another year under contract, I believe Kansas City will be looking for a new starting right guard in 2025.