⏳ “Clutch Deadline Looms?” — Trey Smith Still in Extension Talks with Just Days to Go
Kansas City, MO — With the July 15 deadline fast approaching, Chiefs Pro Bowl guard Trey Smith remains in ongoing contract discussions with the team — and not just because he’s now the highest-paid offensive lineman under the franchise tag.
Veteran NFL insider Mike Florio says the talks are “unprecedented” — both in their early timing and their complexity. But with only two days left, the pressure is real — miss the deadline, and Smith plays 2025 on a fully guaranteed $23.4 million tag, with no long-term deal possible until 2026.
🔥 Why This Matters
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Smith earned a Pro Bowl nod with nearly flawless protection and elite run-blocking .
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He’s a bedrock of the Chiefs’ Super Bowl-winning O-line — a unit Mahomes relies on .
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The early and aggressive nature of these talks highlights how vital the Chiefs view him — and how rare it is for an interior lineman .
💡 The Sticking Point
Florio notes that turning Smith’s massive 2025 tag earn into a multi-year deal isn’t simple . Options being discussed could include:
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Full guarantees in Year 1 and Year 2, with raises for 2027+
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Keep it cap-friendly with lower guarantees afterward
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Add playoff-game incentives (Smith has played 20+ games per year)
⏱️ Why Timing Is Critical
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No deal by 4 p.m. ET, July 15 means Smith must play under the tag — no long-term contract allowed .
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Kansas City currently has about $11 million in cap space, but extension structure can free up more .
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Letting Smith hit free agency in 2026 would be a massive risk. He’s young, durable (only one missed game in 4 seasons), and already earned his stripes .
🏁 Final Take
Cowboys win or lose Super Bowls — the Chiefs win contracts. Trey Smith is in the driver’s seat for an early, lucrative deal. But if they don’t get it done by deadline, he could end up playing 2025 on a gigantic 1-year deal — and then walking in 2026.
For a franchise trying to protect Patrick Mahomes and keep its dynasty engine humming, this is a make-or-break moment for one of its key building blocks.
