As the deadline approaches for a potential long-term contract, Kansas City Chiefs guard Trey Smith finds himself in a pivotal situation regarding his playing future. The cutoff is set for Tuesday at 4:00 p.m. ET, after which Smith will remain under the franchise tag with a guaranteed salary of $23.4 million for the 2025 season. This figure positions him as the third highest-paid player on the team, behind only star quarterback Patrick Mahomes and defensive end Chris Jones.
While Smith secures a substantial paycheck, the negotiations for a long-term deal are complex. He has a lucrative option in front of him now, which surpasses the average per-year salary of any guard in the league. Looking ahead to 2026, Smith faces the possibility of either receiving a second franchise tag at an estimated $28 million or entering free agency. This makes the decision to accept a new contract one that must align with his financial aspirations and career goals.
Another factor complicating the negotiations is the Chiefs’ consistent path to the postseason. Smith has already participated in 13 playoff games over four seasons, contributing significantly to the team’s success and playing every snap in those games. With the Chiefs typically operating in a longer season – often reaching 20 games or more – Smith could argue for additional compensation for these playoff appearances, potentially negotiated into his contract without impacting his annual average salary.
The Chiefs, known for their postseason success since Mahomes took over as quarterback in 2018, could face a challenge if they agree to such terms. If Smith sets a precedent for extra payments related to playoff performance, it may invite similar requests from other key players on the roster, complicating future contract discussions.
Moreover, this situation could spark a larger conversation within the NFL Players Association about revising playoff pay structures, especially if an 18-game regular season becomes a reality, alongside expanding the international game series.
Ultimately, this negotiation not only reflects the specific interests of Smith but may also highlight broader issues regarding compensation for players who endure the physical demands of lengthy seasons. The outcome of this contract discussion underlines the importance of fair pay for performance beyond regular season accomplishments, inviting further dialogue on necessary changes in the league’s compensation framework.