Just when fans thought the Kansas City Chiefs couldn’t make any more big-money moves, they’ve done it again—this time locking down one of their most valuable players on the offensive line.
A Massive Payday Before the Deadline
With just hours to go before Tuesday’s franchise-tag deadline, the Chiefs reached a massive agreement with guard Trey Smith, signing him to a four-year, $94 million contract.
This isn’t just any deal—it’s historic.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Smith’s new contract includes $70 million in guaranteed money, making him the highest-paid guard in NFL history.
Not only does he take the top spot for guaranteed cash, but he’s also now earning the highest annual average salary ever handed to a guard.
The NFL’s Most Expensive Offensive Line Duo
Smith isn’t alone at the top of the pay charts.
With this deal in place, Kansas City now boasts the NFL’s highest-paid guard and center duo.
His teammate Creed Humphrey signed his own record-setting extension last year—a four-year, $72 million deal with $50 million guaranteed.
Together, they form one of the most dominant and now priciest offensive line pairings in the league.
Avoiding a Franchise Tag Tug-of-War
Back in February, the Chiefs had slapped the franchise tag on Smith to keep him from hitting free agency—effectively putting him on a one-year, $23.4 million contract.
That move bought them time, but also came with the risk of losing him next offseason or having to tag him again in 2026 at an even higher cost.
Instead, they struck gold with this long-term deal, which keeps Smith in Kansas City through the 2028 season, averaging $23.5 million per year.
From Underdog Pick to Franchise Cornerstone
It’s hard to believe Smith was a 226th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. Since then, the 26-year-old has completely outperformed his draft position.
He’s been a starter in 80 games, including 13 playoff matchups, missing just one game in four seasons.
His presence has been crucial in helping Patrick Mahomes do what Mahomes does best—win championships.
Mahomes Celebrates the News
Speaking of Mahomes, the star quarterback couldn’t help but show his happiness. Shortly after the news broke, he dropped a simple smiling emoji on X (formerly Twitter), letting fans know exactly how he felt about the team keeping Smith around.
Learning from a Tough Loss
Despite the celebratory mood around the new contract, Smith is still focused on growth—especially after Kansas City’s tough Super Bowl LIX loss to the Philadelphia Eagles earlier this year.
Speaking on Kay Adams’ Up and Adams podcast, he shared a thoughtful take on the value of setbacks:
“I think you need losses in life to learn from it. You need adversity to create endurance.
It helps build character… If you win all the time, you get used to it. You become complacent.”
It’s clear Smith isn’t just about brute strength on the field—he brings a level-headed perspective that adds to his leadership value.
What’s Next for the Chiefs?
With key players like Smith and Humphrey locked in, Kansas City’s front office has made a clear statement: they’re building a strong, secure core around Patrick Mahomes for the long haul.
After two Super Bowl wins in four years and a close call last season, the Chiefs aren’t just chasing titles—they’re setting up a dynasty.