THE Kansas City Chiefs have a hard deadline to sign a star offensive player or potentially lose him in 2026.
Andy Reid and the Chiefs face a tough decision with a fifth-year player as the 2025 season slowly approaches.
Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid speaking with each other before Super Bowl 58[/caption]
Kansas City offensive lineman Trey Smith is coming off his first career Pro Bowl after a stellar 2024 campaign.
And the 26-year-old guard could soon reach an extension with the Chiefs, but there’s a deadline for that to happen.
The Chiefs and Smith have until July 15th to agree on terms regarding an extension.
That date is the deadline for franchise-tagged players to sign a long-term deal.
If Smith doesn’t sign an extension, he will play the 2025 season under the franchise tag after signing the non-exclusive franchise tag.
He would then earn $23.4 million fully guaranteed in 2025 unless both sides reach an agreement.
Kansas City prevented Smith from reaching free agency by applying the $23.4 million one-year tender back in February.
It makes sense for the Chiefs and Smith to work out a long-term contract.
Smith has missed just one game during his four seasons as the team’s starter.
Chiefs captain Chris Jones, who has a history of dealing with the franchise tag, called Smith’s decision to sign smart and will put him “in a good place.”
“Well, it’s good Trey didn’t take my approach,” Jones joked to reporters at a team practice last month.
“Trey’s doing the right thing, man.
“Don’t take no advice from me.
“I did things a little different.
“. … Trey, you in a good place.”
Chiefs guard Trey Smith on the field during a 2022 game[/caption]
Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer gave his opinion on whether he thinks Smith and the Chiefs will reach an agreement.
“I think the Chiefs get a deal done with him, but it won’t be easy,” Breer wrote on June 18.
A deal would allow the Chiefs flexibility to move Smith’s cap hit around instead of paying the full $23.4 million in 2025.
Smith’s fully guaranteed tag is the highest for interior offensive linemen.
The Chiefs traded away a player like All-Pro Joe Thuney to free up money, which was a signal to keep a younger player like Smith.
Kansas City’s training camp will open on July 21.
