The Kansas City Chiefs have made a significant decision this week by placing the franchise tag on their standout guard, Trey Smith. This strategic move, as confirmed by reliable sources, is designed to solidify Smith’s role within the team and protect their investment. By franchising him, the Chiefs have guaranteed a one-year contract estimated at approximately $23.4 million, positioning Smith to become the highest-paid guard in the NFL. This decision has broader implications not only for the player but also for the team’s overall roster strategy heading into the upcoming season.
To understand the ramifications of this franchise tag, it’s essential to analyze its financial context. The current peak salary for guards in the NFL sits at $21 million, attributed to Landon Dickerson from the Philadelphia Eagles. By tagging Smith, the Chiefs have effectively surpassed this benchmark, indicating their commitment to retaining top talent and maintaining a strong offensive line. This financial commitment reflects not only the Chiefs’ faith in Smith’s abilities but also a calculated move to discourage interest from other franchises as the free agency window approaches.
The Chiefs’ franchise tag affords them some breathing room in negotiations, as they now have until July 15 to reach a long-term agreement with Smith. If a deal is not struck by this deadline, Smith will continue his career under the terms of the franchise tag for the 2025 season. This situation creates a window of opportunity for the team to evaluate their financial options while ensuring that Smith remains under their control for at least one more season.
Trey Smith’s path to becoming a Pro Bowl guard is noteworthy. Selected by the Chiefs as a sixth-round draft pick out of Tennessee in 2021, Smith faced skepticism surrounding his health due to a previously identified blood clot issue. However, he quickly dispelled any doubts by taking over the right guard position, starting an impressive 67 out of 68 regular-season games throughout his tenure. His resilience has been a significant factor in the Chiefs’ success, as he has not only been an ironman during the regular season but has also performed in every postseason game.
Smith’s performance metrics speak volumes about his effectiveness on the field. In the previous season, he ranked 13th among guards in pass block win rate, achieving an impressive 93.9%. Furthermore, his run block win rate, which peaked at a career-high of 75.1%, showcases his versatility and capability in adapting to the offensive schemes. With only 1.5 sacks allowed and a minimal number of penalties, his statistical contributions solidified his selection to the Pro Bowl, validating the Chiefs’ decision to draft him against the odds.
The decision to franchise tag Trey Smith illustrates the Kansas City Chiefs’ commitment to building a formidable offensive line while emphasizing the importance of retaining key players. As Smith prepares to vie for a long-term contract, both the player and the franchise are poised for a promising trajectory in the upcoming season. The combination of Smith’s performance and strategic management from the Chiefs could set the stage for further success in their quest for a championship.