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Former Tennessee Vol Trey Smith just set an NFL first in the best possible way just ahead of the start of training camp

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Craig Smith | Last updated Jul 15, 2025 4:44 PM ET

Trey Smith has had a tremendous start to his NFL career. Now, he's getting rewarded for it by the team he's helped reach the Super Bowl each of the last three seasons.

Per ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Chiefs and Smith reached an agreement on a new contract for 4 years worth up to $94 million with $70 million guaranteed. The deal makes Smith the highest-paid guard in NFL history.

Pro-Bowl guard Trey Smith and the Chiefs reached agreement just ahead of today’s franchise-tag deadline on a four-year, $94 million deal that includes $70 million guaranteed and makes him the highest-paid guard in NFL history, ESPN’s sources tell me and @ByNateTaylor.

It’s the…
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 15, 2025

The deal came in right at the eleventh hour before the deadline arrived at 4:00 pm on Tuesday that would have precluded the sides reaching a long-term deal before the season. Under NFL rules, teams and players under the franchise tag are unable to sign a long-term contract if it's not done by the aforementioned deadline. The Chiefs put the franchise tag on Smith, an unrestricted free agent, back in March to keep him from going into free agency.

Smith has been one of the best day three picks in years in the NFL after falling into the sixth round in the 2021 draft after questions about his health arose related to blood clots from his time in Knoxville. However, Smith rewarded the Chiefs' faith, becoming a starter quickly and helping protect Patrick Mahomes for four years, three Super Bowls and two championships.

Now, he's getting properly compensated for it.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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