- Chiefs apply franchise tag to Pro Bowl guard Trey Smith.
- Smith, 25, has played in 67 regular-season and 13 postseason games.
- Franchise tag deadline is Monday, with contract talks until July 15.
- Smith ranked 13th in pass block win rate and 6th in run block win rate in 2024.
- Smith’s draft fall was due to concerns over a blood-clot issue.
The Kansas City Chiefs have decided to use the franchise tag on Pro Bowl guard Trey Smith, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Thursday (27 February). This move ensures that Smith, 25, will remain with the Chiefs for the 2025 season unless a long-term contract is reached by July 15.
This decision comes ahead of the Monday deadline, at 4 p.m. ET, for NFL teams to apply the franchise tag. Should both parties fail to strike a deal by mid-July, Smith will play under the franchise tender, which is a one-year contract based on the average salary of the top five highest-paid players at his position.
A Key Player for Kansas City
Smith’s journey to the NFL is a remarkable one. Drafted by the Chiefs in the sixth round of the 2021 NFL Draft out of Tennessee, Smith’s potential was evident despite some concerns over a blood-clot issue during his college years. While many teams had higher draft grades for Smith, his medical history caused him to fall to the sixth round.
However, the Chiefs didn’t hesitate to give Smith a chance, and he proved his worth immediately. Since joining the team, he has played in 67 of 68 regular-season games, starting every one of them. Smith has also been a constant presence in the postseason, starting all 13 games Kansas City has played during his four-year career.
Smith’s performance in 2024 further solidified his place among the league’s top guards. He ranked 13th in pass block win rate (93.9%) and 6th in run block win rate (75.1%), a career-high. Smith allowed just 1.5 sacks during the regular season, according to NFL Next Gen Stats, and committed only two penalties. His stellar performance was rewarded with his first Pro Bowl selection.
Smith’s dominance in pass protection has been a hallmark of his career. Over the past three seasons, he finished in the top four among guards in pass rush win rate, including second place in both 2021 (96.0%) and 2023 (96.6%).
Looking Ahead
The decision to use the franchise tag is a strategic one for the Chiefs as they work to keep Smith on their roster. His consistent performance and crucial role on the offensive line make him one of the cornerstones of the team’s future.
As the Chiefs and Smith look toward a potential long-term deal, both sides will have until July 15 to negotiate a contract that would avoid the franchise tag situation for 2025. If an agreement is not reached by that deadline, Smith will play the season on the franchise tender, earning a salary based on his position’s top-paid players.
Trey Smith’s journey from a sixth-round draft pick to a Pro Bowl guard highlights his resilience and value to the Kansas City Chiefs. With the franchise tag in place, Smith’s future with the team remains secure—at least for now. Both sides will continue negotiations over the next several months, aiming to reach a long-term deal before the July deadline.