Trey Smith, Chiefs Reportedly Discussing New Contract Ahead of Franchise Tag Deadline

The Kansas City Chiefs placed a franchise tag on Trey Smith following the 2024 season, but the two sides reportedly have been in talks about a new contract for the star guard ahead of the deadline to sign long-term extensions on Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET.

"The two sides have been in communication," Rapoport said. "There have been negotiations. We do not know right now if the deal is going to get done, but at least as of this moment, it is a possibility."

Chiefs general manager Brett Veach also said in April that the team planned to work out a deal with Smith "once things settle down on both ends."

“Hopefully, we get that done. There’s no lack of interest or will or desire on our end,” Veach told reporters, per The Athletic's Jayna Bardahl. “My guess is once the draft’s over and our focus is back on taking care of the players that are here and trying to get those guys locked up. (Smith’s agency) CAA, on their end, they are one of the leading agencies in regards to the players they produce every year, so I’m sure once things settle down on both ends, we’ll be in a position to continue this dialogue and hopefully make some progress there.

“There’s no secret there that we’d like to get Trey locked up.”

Smith, a sixth-round pick out of Tennessee in 2021, has established himself as one of the best interior linemen in the NFL over the past four years. Last season, he recorded a 78.8 PFF grade, giving up zero sacks. In a poll by ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, NFL coaches, executives and scouts voted Smith the fourth-best interior lineman in the league.

Even if Smith and the Chiefs are unable to work out a new contract before the start of the season, he'll be one of the highest-paid linemen in the league since his franchise tag is worth $23.4 million.

But a player like Smith is worth keeping around as the Chiefs look to keep their dynasty alive in the coming years, and it seems the two sides prefer to keep their partnership going past the 2025 campaign.