Trey Smith shows up to minicamp (and shuts down all contract drama)

Trey Smith is in the building.

The Kansas City Chiefs kicked off their mandatory minicamp, and the biggest question circling overhead was whether or not Smith would be in attendance given the ongoing contractual uncertainty heading into the 2025 season. As it turns out, Smith is committed to business as usual, even as other business is unfinished.

Smith's response to the situation—namely, that the Chiefs have saddled him with the franchise tag designation—is a very positive sign. If fans were wondering about any potential drama regarding a long-term deal, Smith's decision to sidestep any drama by showing up is a good will endeavor toward those negotiations.

Not that anyone really expected otherwise this spring. The Chiefs gave away any leverage this offseason by making it clear they wanted Smith long-term in myriad ways. Not only did they use the tag on him, which makes his current price tag rather exorbitant at $23.4 million, but they've been vocal about wanting to lock him up for years to come.

If that wasn't enough, the team even traded away All-Pro left guard Joe Thuney to the Chicago Bears, which not only placed a greater emphasis on keeping Smith along the offensive interior, but it freed up some financial room to maneuver as well.

Both sides have until July 15 to come to a long-term decision, but Smith's appearance at Chiefs' training camp is a positive sign that all parties involved want to get something done. Smith is a team player, and the franchise is keen to reciprocate those feelings.

Suffice it to say, it would be a major shock if Smith hadn't signed a new lucrative contract extension with the Chiefs by the time mid-July rolls around.