Chiefs' Trey Smith Holds Contract Talks Ahead July 15 Extension Deadline

Kansas City Chiefs guard Trey Smith is currently playing under the franchise tag with a $23.4 million guaranteed salary for the 2025 season, making him the highest-paid player at his position. Despite the looming July 15 deadline for a contract extension, Smith remains focused on preparing for training camp and has entrusted negotiations to his agents and the Chiefs' front office. General manager Brett Veach and the Chiefs are committed to securing a long-term deal, but salary cap considerations and the structure of the contract present challenges. Smith, a sixth-round pick in 2021 and a key contributor to two Super Bowl victories, earned his first Pro Bowl nod in 2024, underscoring his value to the team. If no extension is reached by the deadline, Smith will play the 2025 season on the franchise tag and become a free agent in 2026, with negotiations unable to resume until after the regular season. The Chiefs have a recent history of finalizing player extensions late in the summer, and Smith's contract situation remains a significant priority as training camp approaches.