The Kansas City Chiefs signed Trey Smith to a record contract on July 17, 2025. Learn how the deal impacts the salary cap and why Justyn Ross was released.
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
In a whirlwind day of roster moves that perfectly captures the business of football, the Kansas City Chiefs made a massive statement by locking down a cornerstone of their offensive line. Right guard Trey Smith, the beloved 'Mauler,' has been signed to a record-breaking four-year, $94 million extension, solidifying protection for Patrick Mahomes for the foreseeable future. The move, however, was paired with a bittersweet farewell to a perennial fan favorite.
Four years, $94 million, with $70 million guaranteed. Trey Smith is officially the highest-paid offensive guard in NFL history.
General Manager Brett Veach has done it again. The Trey Smith extension isn't just a reward for a dominant player; it's a masterclass in salary cap management. The four-year, $94 million deal, which includes a staggering $70 million in guarantees, actually *lowers* Smith's 2025 cap hit to a more manageable $14.25 million. This clever structuring boosts the Chiefs' available cap space to over $20 million, giving them flexibility as they head into the season. After securing Nick Bolton earlier in the offseason, Veach has now locked down two critical pieces of the team's core, ensuring the championship window remains wide open.
While Chiefs Kingdom celebrated the Smith deal, the front office made a difficult decision on the other side of the ball. Wide receiver Justyn Ross was waived just days before veterans report to training camp. Ross has been a source of offseason excitement for years, flashing immense potential in practices and preseason games. Unfortunately, that potential never consistently translated to regular-season production in a crowded receiver room. His release signals the team is getting serious about its 90-man roster and solidifying the depth chart, officially closing the book on one of the fanbase's most hopeful 'what if' stories.
As camp looms, one of the most intriguing position groups to watch will be the defensive backs. The Chiefs are currently carrying a whopping 19 DBs on the roster, setting the stage for an intense battle for just a handful of spots. From seasoned veterans to hungry young rookies, every rep will count. The competition at both cornerback and safety will be fierce, as the coaching staff looks to piece together a secondary capable of defending the team's back-to-back-to-back titles. Expect some surprise cuts and maybe even a few breakout stars to emerge from this group.
Beyond the roster moves in Kansas City, the organization is making its presence felt on a national stage. The Chiefs are proudly sending ten youth flag football teams to represent the Kingdom at the NFL FLAG Championships in Canton, Ohio. This impressive showing at the Hall of Fame Village is a testament to the team's commitment to growing the game and investing in the next generation of football talent. It's a fantastic community initiative that brings a positive note to a day of tough business decisions.
Today was a perfect snapshot of life in the NFL. We saw a homegrown star get a historic payday, a fan-favorite's journey come to an end, and the stage set for the intense roster battles that define training camp. With the big contracts handled and the roster nearly set, all eyes now turn to St. Joe. The debates are over, the speculation is done. It's time to put the pads on and see who will earn their spot on the 2025 Kansas City Chiefs.
