The NFL’s top pending free agent amongst offensive linemen will not reach the market. The Chiefs plan to use the franchise tag on guard Trey Smith, as first reported by NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. 
The franchise tag groups all offensive linemen together, something which often makes using it on interior blockers a cumbersome endeavor for teams. Smith has long been known to be a key priority for Kansas City, though, and this move will ensure he remains with the team for at least one more season. If no long-term deal is worked out, the Pro Bowler will earn $23.4MM next year.
The top of the guard market reached $21MM per season when Landon Dickerson inked an Eagles extension last year. Smith was in position to surpass that figure on a multi-year pact of his own in the event he reached free agency, something which at one point seemed likely given the report from last week which stated no franchise or even transition tag was expected in this case. Even if he were to play out the one-year tag in 2025, the 25-year-old would break the record for guard compensation given its value.
On Wednesday, it was learned the Chiefs were preparing a long-term Smith extension. Such a pact – should one be worked out – will represent a massive commitment up front on the team’s part, something which has already been witnessed by the free agent deals for left guard Joe Thuney and the extension for center Creed Humphrey. The latter reset his position’s market by a wide margin in August with a four-year extension averaging $18MM per season. If things go according to plan for Kansas City, the team will have the league’s highest-paid center as well as its top earner amongst guards playing alongside each other for years to come.
The tackle positions remain an issue for the Chiefs, as the Super Bowl illustrated. Smith has been a consistent presence along the interior, though, ranking between 10th and 15th in terms of PFF evaluation for guards in each of his four seasons. The Tennessee product will of course be expected on to remain a top blocker either on the tag or a new deal moving forward. Having missed only one game so far, Smith’s durability will no doubt help his case for an extension.
A number of teams in better cap shape than the Chiefs would have been in position to make a strong push for Smith on the open market; former Chiefs exec Ryan Poles and the Bears in particular may have been a suitor to watch on that front. A tag-and-trade could still be in order in the event the Chiefs cannot work out a deal (having taken that route with cornerback L’Jarius Sneed last year), but for now Smith is on track to play for the AFC champions once again.
A left tackle addition is a priority for Kansas City this offseason, so more developments can be expected up front in the near future. Regardless of what takes place on that front, though, Smith is in line to play out at least one more campaign with the team. Presuming no trade occurs, he and the Chiefs will now have until mid-July to work out a long-term extension.
Thanks cap raise!
Might actually be good news for the Bears. Spending 23 million on a G might not have been the best use of the Cap room the Bears will have. Makes that #10 pick all the more likely to be an OL. I know Poles loves Mykel Williams he’s scouted him every chance he gets. As much as the Bears need an Edge, They need OL more. Even so with Carter being hurt and Williams not being all that durable last year OL is the way to go IMO. Bears can’t afford to miss on this #1 unless they move down and add another pick or 2. OL is the safest pick I think.
Makes sense. In this draft, there should be a starting caliber edge prospect when their second round picks roll around. Given the sort of huge linemen New Orleans always sought out, I wouldn’t be surprised if Chicago eyed Landon Jackson or one of the Texas A&M guys. It’s possible they’re all gone by 39, but there are more where that came from. I wouldn’t be shocked if the Bears took two offensive linemen and one defensive lineman with those three picks.
Totally agree. I’d make one exception if i was Poles. If somehow( And I think it’s unlikely) Graham slides down to 10, They should take him. Pass rush can come from inside or outside and he’s maybe the best DL in this draft.
For sure. Graham is in the top tier of prospects in this draft. I’d stop his fall if given the opportunity.
Well, this sucks as a Patriots fan. Was praying for one or both of Trey Smith & Tee Higgins and now it looks like both will be tagged.
KC always seems to find a way to get around and make adjustments around the cap. So give them credit. With the new cap at just over 279 million . The Chiefs currently have just over 7.5 million in cap money. Obviously, they’ll look into restructures and creative means. Maybe they know more about Kelce’s intentions to retire. That saves then around 17 million. Who knows? They’ll find a way to keep most everybody well paid, happy and plug any holes in their roster. That organization does it every year.