As the Kansas City Chiefs continue to dominate the NFL with their high-powered offense, led by quarterback Patrick Mahomes, the team is now confronted with a looming issue that could impact their future success.
Despite their undefeated record through the first ten weeks of the 2024 season, the Chiefs may soon be forced to part ways with a crucial piece of the offensive puzzle that has helped keep Mahomes upright and productive. Right guard Trey Smith, one of the most underrated players on the Chiefs’ offensive line, could be headed elsewhere in the offseason, creating a potential void that the team will need to address.
The Chiefs, under the guidance of head coach Andy Reid, have built a roster that revolves around Mahomes, the reigning Super Bowl MVP and one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in NFL history. With a championship pedigree and a consistently successful offense, Kansas City has established itself as a dynasty in the AFC. However, as every great quarterback knows, even the best signal-callers need protection—and Mahomes has benefited greatly from a strong offensive line.
While Mahomes is undoubtedly the centerpiece of the Chiefs’ offensive success, the team’s ability to protect him and create running lanes for their backs has been equally vital. Kansas City’s offensive line has evolved into one of the most formidable units in the NFL, and at the heart of it is Smith, who has emerged as a top-tier interior lineman since joining the Chiefs in 2021. However, the Chiefs now find themselves in a difficult position, as Smith’s future with the team is in question.
According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, Smith’s contract situation could become a significant challenge for Kansas City, as the guard is set to hit free agency after the 2024 season. While the Chiefs would love to retain him, the financial demands of re-signing Smith could prove to be too steep for the franchise to manage. Fowler reports that Smith could become one of the highest-paid guards in NFL history, with a price tag that may exceed the Chiefs’ current cap space.
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“The Chiefs would love to re-sign Smith but know that will be tough,” Fowler wrote. “In fact, there’s an expectation that Smith could become the highest-paid guard in the NFL. The top of the market currently sits at $21.5 million per year, and the Chiefs are at least bracing for life without him because of that price.” This development has Chiefs fans concerned, as the team may be forced to prioritize other roster needs or face difficult financial decisions.
Smith, who was drafted as a sixth-round pick (226th overall) in the 2021 NFL Draft, has quickly transformed into one of the league’s most reliable interior linemen. His rise to prominence has been one of the most impressive stories of the past few seasons, especially considering the fact that he was initially viewed as a late-round steal. Over the course of his first few years in the league, Smith has developed into a consistent performer for the Chiefs, becoming a key part of the offensive line that has protected Mahomes and cleared lanes for the team’s running backs.
Given Smith’s level of play, it’s no surprise that his potential new contract could shatter current records for guards in the NFL. With the Panthers setting the market for interior linemen by signing Robert Hunt to a $100 million deal earlier this year, Smith is in a prime position to secure a similar, if not more lucrative, contract. Such a deal would certainly command attention around the league, and the Chiefs may struggle to match the financial terms offered by other teams in search of a top-tier guard.
As the Chiefs prepare for the stretch run of the 2024 season, this looming contract situation creates an additional layer of uncertainty for the future. Kansas City’s offense has been firing on all cylinders, but the potential loss of Smith could impact the team’s ability to protect Mahomes and maintain its offensive dominance. With Mahomes’ future likely tied to the stability of the offensive line, losing a key player like Smith could make the Chiefs’ road to another Super Bowl more difficult.
In an ideal world, the Chiefs would retain Smith and continue their successful formula for protecting Mahomes. But with the salary cap constraints and the potential for bidding wars in free agency, the franchise may need to look at other options to bolster its offensive line if Smith walks. For now, the team’s focus remains on the current season, but the impact of losing a key player like Smith would certainly be felt in the years to come.
As the 2024 season unfolds, the Chiefs will continue to enjoy the fruits of their dominant roster, but their long-term success may depend on how they navigate this potential loss. Should Smith leave in free agency, the team will have to address the gap left by one of its most reliable offensive linemen. Fortunately, the Chiefs have a history of making smart moves in free agency and the draft, so it’s likely they’ll be prepared to find a solution, even if it means adjusting their approach to the offensive line.
For now, Chiefs fans can take solace in the fact that the team remains undefeated and is poised for another deep playoff run. But with the financial landscape of the NFL constantly shifting, it’s important for Kansas City to plan for the future and ensure that the core of their offense—particularly the protection around Mahomes—remains intact. Whether or not Trey Smith is a part of that future remains to be seen, but his impact on the Chiefs’ offensive success cannot be overstated.
