Trey Smith Attends Chiefs Mandatory Minicamp

Kansas City Chiefs fans had not heard much news about their offensive lineman, Trey Smith, and his contract negotiations, but some of that changed this week - in a good way.

Smith, who was signed to the franchise tag earlier this offseason, was present at the start of the Chiefs' mandatory minicamp.

Smith is seeking a long-term extension with the team, but general manager Brett Veach has not made any progress on a deal. According to Pro Football Focus, he was "expected to turn his attention toward negotiations after the draft," but at the moment, Smith remains on the one-year tag that would pay him $23.4 million in 2024.

The Pro Bowl left guard was not present at Kansas City's voluntary activities after signing the tag. Many hope that his attendance this week can now kickstart some momentum in his long-term extension.

The franchise tag allows the organization until mid-July to sign Smith, or else he'll play on the tag this season and become an unrestricted free agent next offseason.

Entering his fifth year in KC, Smith has been an instrumental part of the protection for quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Smith, a sixth-round pick in 2021, has blossomed into a reliable figure, starting in 67 of the 68 Chiefs regular season games since being drafted.

Last year, he was as steady as you could be, finishing the season with only two penalties (both holding) in his 1,117 snaps - 97% of the offensive plays.

He will be an important piece of the Chiefs' offense, as Kansas City looks to remain atop the AFC and make their fourth straight trip to the Super Bowl this season.