The Chiefs sign Trey Smith to a record contract on July 18, 2025, while bracing for a suspension for Rashee Rice. Get the full offseason transaction details.
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
Just as Chiefs Kingdom was celebrating the massive, record-setting extension for All-Pro guard Trey Smith, news broke that will have a significant impact on the other side of the ball. In a whirlwind Friday that perfectly captures the highs and lows of an NFL offseason, the Chiefs locked up a cornerstone of their offensive line for the future while simultaneously getting clarity on the legal fate of receiver Rashee Rice, paving the way for a likely NFL suspension.
A four-year, $94 million contract extension with $70 million in guarantees, making him the highest-paid guard in NFL history.
General Manager Brett Veach pulled off another masterstroke, finalizing a four-year, $94 million contract extension with guard Trey Smith. The deal, which includes a staggering $70 million in guarantees, resets the market and makes Smith the highest-paid guard in the league. Not only does this secure a key protector for Patrick Mahomes for the foreseeable future, but it also provides immediate cap relief, lowering Smith's 2025 hit and giving the Chiefs over $20 million in space. After trading Joe Thuney this offseason, solidifying the interior line around Smith and preparing for first-round rookie Josh Simmons to step up at tackle was paramount. This move screams commitment to winning in the trenches.
On the other side of the news cycle, wide receiver Rashee Rice was sentenced for his role in a March 2024 multi-car crash. He will serve 30 days in jail at a time of his choosing during his five years of probation. With the legal process concluded, the NFL's investigation is expected to wrap up quickly, and a multi-game suspension is almost certain. While Rice issued a public apology and is reportedly healthy for training camp after last year's ACL tear, the Chiefs must now plan to be without a key offensive weapon for a significant portion of the season's start. This puts more pressure on the rest of the receiving corps to step up early.
With these major offseason storylines reaching their conclusion, all eyes turn to St. Joseph for the start of training camp next week. The Chiefs enter as the three-time defending AFC Champions, a dynasty in full swing under Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes. The mission is a fourth consecutive Super Bowl appearance, a feat of staggering difficulty. The foundation is set, but key questions remain. How will the new-look offensive line gel with rookie Josh Simmons? Who will step up at receiver during Rice's absence? And can defensive rookies like Omarr Norman-Lott and Ashton Gillotte make an immediate impact? The chase for history is officially on.
It was a day of stark contrasts for the Chiefs – a massive investment in their foundation and a somber resolution for a troubled young star. But with the roster set and the leadership intact, the focus now shifts squarely to the field. As the three-time AFC champs prepare to report to training camp, the mission is clear: navigate the early-season challenges and begin the grueling journey toward an unprecedented fourth straight Super Bowl appearance. The quest begins now.
