Kansas City Chiefs star vows to keep Patrick Mahomes ‘protected’ after return from injury

Trey Smith says the Kansas City Chiefs line must keep Patrick Mahomes calm and protected

Speaking on The Insiders, Trey Smith explained how the Kansas City Chiefs’ offensive line views its responsibility around Patrick Mahomes.

“As an offensive lineman, you always feel the responsibility to keep your quarterback calm, protected, allowing him to operate,” Smith said.

He added, “You have the best quarterback in the game right now. So, you wanna just give him any opportunity and ability to do what he does best.”

The message carried extra weight because Smith spent the offseason trying to get his own body back after ankle issues and other setbacks limited him last season.

He said he felt he missed too much time and wanted to put himself in a position to play a full season, which matters even more when Mahomes is coming back from a torn ACL and LCL.

Trey Smith believes Patrick Mahomes protection can drive Kansas City Chiefs rebound

Smith’s praise for Mahomes was tied directly to what the Chiefs need from their front five as the new season approaches.

“At the end of the day, Patrick Mahomes is the best competitor I’ve ever been around… And as a front five unit, if we can all work cohesively, build more chemistry.

“And as the year goes on and progresses, we obviously want to keep Pat healthy, because we know what type of player he is,” Smith continued.

“He’s already proved himself. And there’s much more for him to do as well,” he concluded.

The Chiefs open against the Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football, giving Mahomes an immediate AFC West test as he works back from the first major injury of his career.

Andy Reid has said Mahomes is doing well in recovery, but Kansas City still has to be careful with how much pressure and contact he absorbs early in the year.

That puts Smith, Creed Humphrey and the rest of the offensive line at the center of the Chiefs’ bounce-back plan. Kansas City’s 2025 season did not meet its usual standard, and Smith acknowledged that every year brings a new challenge instead of any credit for past Super Bowl runs.

If the Chiefs are going to look like themselves again, Mahomes needs room to operate. Smith’s vow shows the offensive line understands that protecting him is not just a job requirement, but the foundation of everything Kansas City wants to become again.