July 15 looms as the deadline for franchise-tagged players to sign a long-term deal. In the case of 2025, that is only applicable to the Chiefs and right guard Trey Smith. 
A trip to free agency appeared to be in store given the cumbersome nature of using the tag on offensive lineman. Tackles, guards and centers are grouped together for the purposes of tag calculations, which often serves as a deterrent when teams consider using it on interior blockers. The Chiefs nevertheless prevented Smith from testing the market by applying the $23.4MM one-year tender in February.
A long-term pact has represented a logical goal for both parties since well before the decision to use the tag. Smith has operated as a full-time starter during each of his four seasons in Kansas City, missing only one game to date. Given his availability concerns coming into the league, remaining healthy has been key for the 26-year-old in establishing his value.
Smith has consistently been amongst the league’s top guards during his Chiefs tenure. The Pro Bowler has ranked between 10th and 15th each season in terms of PFF grade, and he will be expected to remain a strong contributor up front for years to come if a multi-year Kansas City pact can be worked out. The team traded away All-Pro guard Joe Thuney this offseason in a move which freed up money but also signaled an investment in Smith (who is six years younger) would be coming.
Indeed, Chiefs general manager Brett Veach said in April a long-term deal on this front was among his top post-draft priorities. In the months since then, few updates have emerged suggesting the sides are close to an agreement. As the deadline approaches, though, that could of course change in short order.
At the moment, the value of Smith’s fully guaranteed tag is set to match his 2025 cap hit. That figure is the highest for interior O-linemen, but it would be reduced with a long-term pact. The guard market currently includes four players attached to an AAV over $20MM on a multi-year accord, with Landon Dickerson leading the way at $21MM. Smith could certainly look to join that group given his performances, age and the jump in the salary cap since the other deals were signed.
Kansas City already has center Creed Humphrey on the books at an average of $18MM per season (the most at that position). Right tackle Jawaan Taylor also has a notable cap number for the year, although he is not assured of a starting spot this season. The left side of the team’s line, meanwhile, will be the subject of considerable scrutiny as the prospect of first-round rookie Josh Simmons handling blindside duties right away is considered.
Regardless of how that shakes out, Smith will be counted on to remain an anchor up front. Improvement in terms of both run blocking and pass protection will be a key goal for Kansas City in 2025 irrespective of Smith’s contract status. Well before Week 1, however, it will be known if he has a contract beyond the coming campaign.