Chiefs Urged To Make One Final Massive Offseason Move

The Kansas City Chiefs faced some serious roster maintenance questions heading into the offseason. Coming off of three straight Super Bowl appearances the time came for decisions involving the finances of some key players. 

That meant the loss of starting safety Justin Reid though the Chiefs did keep Nick Bolton on the defensive side. Offensively, the Chiefs needed to commit to one of two offensive linemen. 

They chose Trey Smith, heralded by many as one of the top potential free agents heading into that period. Kansas City's right guard earned selection to the first Pro Bowl of his career in 2024 and hopes to build off that momentum next season. 

But the Chiefs have not yet secured Smith's future with the team. They used the franchise tag as a temporary safeguard though ESPN's Aaron Schatz has urged Kansas City to execute a long-term deal here to put a bow on their offseason. 

"The Chiefs already decided between Joe Thuney and Smith. They could pay only one of them, so Thuney was sent to Chicago and they kept the younger Smith. Right now, Smith is set to play on the franchise tag for 2025 and then become a free agent again in 2026. 

"We know that's not going to happen. The Chiefs need to get the extension worked out and lock one of the league's top interior linemen down for the next few seasons."

Smith is currently set to play on a one-year $23.4 million contract next season. They have until July 15 to agree to terms on a new deal, exactly one week before the first official workout at training camp. 

As Schatz says, the Chiefs are likely to knock this out and make it a matter of the past before that deadline. But the time is ticking to get it done and lock in of Patrick Mahomes' most trusted protectors on the offensive line.