Chiefs Lock Down Trey Smith with Franchise Tag: Mahomes’ Wall Gets a Big Boost
The Kansas City Chiefs aren’t messing around in 2025, and their latest move proves it. On February 28, the team slapped the franchise tag on standout guard Trey Smith, locking down a cornerstone of their offensive line and sending a clear message: Patrick Mahomes’ protection is non-negotiable. The decision, announced just as free agency rumors swirled, secures Smith for the 2025 season at a projected $22.3 million, a hefty payday for the 25-year-old who’s become a fan favorite and a quiet force in the trenches.
Smith, a 2021 sixth-round steal out of Tennessee, has blossomed into one of the NFL’s premier guards. Last season, he anchored a line that gave Mahomes the time to throw for 4,561 yards and 33 touchdowns, even as the Chiefs fell short in Super Bowl LVIX against Detroit. His bruising run-blocking and relentless pass protection earned him a Pro Bowl nod and the undying loyalty of Chiefs Kingdom. “Trey’s our rock,” Mahomes said after the tag dropped. “He’s why I’m still standing.”
The franchise tag buys Kansas City time to negotiate a long-term deal with Smith, whose market value could climb past $20 million annually. GM Brett Veach called it a “no-brainer,” praising Smith’s grit and versatility. With Joe Thuney aging and Creed Humphrey’s contract looming, keeping Smith ensures stability for a line that’s been Mahomes’ unsung MVP. Fans erupted online, with one X user dubbing him “Mahomes’ Wall 2.0.”
As the Chiefs retool after their Super Bowl hangover, this move signals aggression. With Kelce back and free agency on deck, Kansas City’s doubling down on its core—starting with the big man in the middle. Mahomes couldn’t ask for a better shield.
