The Kansas City Chiefs are trying to sign impending free agent Trey Smith to a new contract before he reaches unrestricted free agency, and one prominent reporter believes they’re making progress on an extension. A sixth-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, the Tennessee product immediately outplayed his draft stock and became one of the league’s best interior linemen. Making the Pro Bowl last year, Smith played a crucial role in winning two Super Bowls and could receive upwards of $20 million per year on the open market.
Armed with just under $8 million in cap space, the Chiefs don’t have the financial resources to sign Trey Smith without restructuring multiple contracts and making some tough cuts. However, Nate Taylor of The Athletic believes the team can get it done. While nothing is official, the insider recently appeared on the Only Weird Games podcast and said there is “growing optimism” about Kansas City’s ability to retain their star lineman.
There is “growing optimism” that the #Chiefs will sign Trey Smith to a new 5-year deal, per @ByNateTaylor on Only Weird Games.#KCSN | #ChiefsKingdom pic.twitter.com/hmPxYh0wJ4
— KC Sports Network (@KCSportsNetwork) February 25, 2025
Report: “Growing Optimism” Chiefs Can Sign Trey Smith To Long-Term Deal
Perhaps Chiefs General Manager Brett Veach can find a way to sign Trey Smith without compromising his ability to build a well-rounded roster, but it won’t be easy. With Tee Higgins expected to receive the franchise tag, Smith is easily the best player set to reach the open market. His ability could earn him over $20 million per year, and the former sixth-round pick won’t take a discount to stay with the team.
Kansas City still needs a left tackle, already invested heavily in guard Joe Thuney, and should try and retain free agents like Nick Bolton, DeAndre Hopkins, and Justin Reid. It might not be possible to do this, and the following three teams could probably make an offer for Smith that the Chiefs cannot match.
Other Fits
Los Angeles Chargers
The Los Angeles Chargers made the playoffs in the first year of the Jim Harbaugh Era, but they must improve the roster to go on a deep playoff run. Harbaugh wants to win games the old-fashioned way with a strong rushing attack built on physical blocking and winning in the trenches. While he has one of the league’s best tackle duos, the interior offensive line needs some work. Currently boasting $66.7 million in cap space, the Chargers have the cap space to sign Trey Smith from the Chiefs and still add a big-name tight end or wide receiver to the room.
New England Patriots
The New England Patriots have their franchise quarterback in UNC’s Drake Maye. While he played remarkably well as a rookie, he will not survive another season behind this disastrous offensive line. Mike Onwenu is the only adequate starter on the team, and Trey Smith would go a long way toward solidifying the interior offensive line. If New England can sign him and someone like offensive tackle Alaric Jackson, the Patriots should be able to provide adequate protection for Maye in 2025.
Chicago Bears
Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams is poised to make the fabled Year 2 leap in 2025. Following a promising 2025 with a subpar coaching staff, the Bears brought in offensive guru Ben Johnson to bring out the best in their first-overall pick. While the former Lions offensive coordinator will help, this team could still use additional reinforcements along the offensive line. Trey Smith is the best option available, and Chicago has the financial resources to bring him in and protect Williams as he seeks to be the first quarterback in team history to throw for 4,000 yards.
Main Photo: Mark J. Rebilas – Imagn Images
