The Kansas City Chiefs lock down Trey Smith with a record $94M deal ahead of the 2024 season, making him the NFL's richest guard. See how this move impacts Patrick Mahomes.
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
The Kansas City Chiefs sent a massive message to the rest of the NFL on the eve of training camp: the trenches are non-negotiable. The team officially locked down Pro Bowl right guard Trey Smith with a staggering four-year, $94 million extension, making the former sixth-round pick the highest-paid player at his position in league history. The move solidifies a critical piece of the offensive line and ensures the Chiefs enter camp as a complete, unified force with no contract holdouts looming.
$94 million. That's the price for keeping the heart of your offensive line and a two-time Super Bowl champion right where he belongs.
Just before the franchise tag deadline, General Manager Brett Veach secured his man. The four-year, $94 million deal for Trey Smith includes a whopping $70 million in guaranteed money, a testament to his value and durability. Since being drafted in 2021, Smith has been a bedrock of the offensive line, starting 80 of a possible 81 games. Known for his aggressive, 'mauler' playstyle, he has been instrumental in protecting Patrick Mahomes and paving the way for two Super Bowl victories. This deal isn't just a reward; it's a strategic investment in maintaining dominance at the line of scrimmage.
Perhaps the most immediate benefit of the Smith extension is the complete lack of contract drama heading into training camp. With the deal done, all 91 players on the preseason roster are expected to report on time, starting with rookies and quarterbacks around July 15. This means no fines, no media distractions, and no key players missing valuable reps. For a team with championship aspirations, starting camp with a full, focused roster is a significant competitive advantage.
The news was met with widespread celebration across social media from teammates and the official Chiefs accounts. Players were quick to congratulate Smith, underscoring his importance not just as a player, but as a leader in the locker room. Keeping a respected veteran and a key piece of their championship core sends a clear message that the organization is committed to its foundational players as they pursue yet another title.
As the team prepares for the grind of camp, the health report is encouragingly quiet. No new injuries were reported on July 16, a major positive as the physicality ramps up. The team will continue to monitor tight end Jared Wiley and offensive tackle Josh Simmons, who were previously listed as questionable for Week 1, but avoiding any new setbacks is a crucial first step. The focus now shifts from contracts and negotiations to on-field execution and preparation.
With the ink dry on Trey Smith's historic contract, the front office has done its part. Now, the focus shifts entirely to the grass at Missouri Western State University. The offseason drama is over, the roster is complete, and the team is united. The quest for another Lombardi Trophy officially begins now, with the first public practice just days away. All eyes will be on St. Joseph to see the first glimpses of the 2025 Kansas City Chiefs.
