Trey Smith, the former Vol OL, must make a costly decision on his future with the Chiefs.

Trey Smith, the Former Vol OL, Must Make a Costly Decision on His Future with the Chiefs

Trey Smith, the former standout offensive lineman for the Tennessee Volunteers, has carved out a successful career in the NFL, establishing himself as a reliable starter for the Kansas City Chiefs. However, as with many players at the professional level, Smith is now faced with a pivotal moment in his career—a costly decision that could significantly impact his future with the Chiefs and beyond.

This crossroads comes after a few seasons in the NFL where Smith has shown potential, but with uncertainty looming on his contract situation, future role with the team, and his long-term health, the choice he makes could define the trajectory of his career. The combination of financial considerations, career longevity, and the personal health risks inherent in football creates a delicate balance for the young lineman.

This article will explore the key factors influencing Smith’s decision on his future with the Chiefs, focusing on the financial dynamics of his contract, his current position within the team, and the broader implications of a decision that could ultimately shape his NFL career.

Trey Smith’s Rise at Tennessee

Before he became a fixture on the Kansas City Chiefs’ offensive line, Trey Smith was a dominant force for the Tennessee Volunteers. A highly recruited high school player out of Jackson, Tennessee, Smith quickly made a name for himself at the University of Tennessee, earning All-SEC honors in his sophomore year and eventually being considered one of the top offensive line prospects in the country.

Smith’s ability to play multiple positions along the offensive line, combined with his size, strength, and technique, made him a valuable asset for the Vols. His leadership on the field was as evident as his physical traits, and many analysts believed he was destined for a successful NFL career. However, the road to the NFL was not without its challenges.

While Smith was undeniably talented, he faced a significant health scare during his time at Tennessee. Diagnosed with blood clots in his lungs, Smith’s college career nearly came to a halt. The medical issue required careful management, including treatments and adjustments to his lifestyle. Despite this, Smith’s resolve and determination were unwavering. He overcame the medical setback and returned to the field, continuing to improve his game and solidifying his status as one of the most promising offensive linemen in college football.

His ability to overcome adversity helped elevate him in the eyes of NFL scouts, and after an impressive college career, Smith was selected by the Kansas City Chiefs in the sixth round of the 2021 NFL Draft. The Chiefs, an organization known for its offensive firepower and commitment to building a strong offensive line, saw potential in Smith, and his journey in the NFL began.

A Strong Start in Kansas City

Since joining the Chiefs, Trey Smith has proven that he is more than capable of competing at the highest level of professional football. After initially making an impact as a rotational player, Smith quickly worked his way into the starting lineup. His size, athleticism, and ability to anchor in pass protection made him a natural fit for the Chiefs’ high-paced, pass-heavy offense. His performances were crucial to protecting quarterback Patrick Mahomes and helping the Chiefs’ offense operate at a high level.

Smith’s rookie season in 2021 saw him start 15 games, with the Chiefs often relying on his steady play on the interior of the offensive line. While the Chiefs’ offensive line underwent significant changes that year—including the addition of veteran players to complement their young stars—Smith’s development was one of the bright spots of the season. In 2022, Smith continued to play a key role in protecting Mahomes and helping the team reach the AFC Championship once again. He was regarded as one of the more reliable and consistent offensive linemen for the Chiefs, demonstrating that his NFL career was off to a strong start.

Despite the challenges inherent in his position, including matching up against elite pass-rushers in the AFC West, Smith adapted quickly. He became known for his ability to dominate in both the running game and the passing game, combining his power with a strong understanding of the Chiefs’ offensive scheme.

However, as Smith’s career moves forward, there are several pressing questions that surround his future in Kansas City.

The Contract and Financial Decision

Trey Smith’s decision regarding his future with the Kansas City Chiefs will ultimately come down to a financial decision. While Smith is still on his rookie contract, as a sixth-round pick, he has not yet earned the type of money that many of the league’s highest-paid offensive linemen make. His current contract is standard for a rookie drafted in that round, and while he has performed well, the nature of the NFL’s salary cap system means that the Chiefs will have to make decisions about retaining or extending Smith in the near future.

As a young player on a rookie contract, Smith will be due for a new deal in the near future, and it is unclear how much the Chiefs are willing to commit to him long-term. The Chiefs are consistently a contender in the AFC, and they have a strong roster, but they also face the financial challenge of balancing high-profile contracts for their star players, including Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce. With limited cap space and numerous other players to consider, the Chiefs will have to make some tough decisions about which players they can afford to keep and for how long.

For Smith, the looming contract extension is significant for several reasons. First, his performance in the coming seasons will likely determine his market value. Given his high potential and impressive early career, Smith could command a significant contract extension. This could mean a substantial financial windfall, but it also carries risks. Smith’s health, particularly his history with blood clots, is a major factor in his potential earning power. If the Chiefs or another team are concerned about his long-term health, it could affect the financial terms of his next contract.

Smith will also need to weigh whether he is willing to take a financial risk by betting on himself in the upcoming seasons. If he plays well, he could be rewarded with a multi-million-dollar contract, but if injuries or a downturn in performance affect his career, he might not be able to command the same deal. He could take a less lucrative deal in an attempt to solidify his place on a successful team, or he could gamble on getting a larger contract in free agency.

The decision becomes even more complicated when considering the competitive nature of NFL free agency. Teams with cap space and needs along the offensive line could be looking to make a splash, and Smith might find himself in a bidding war for his services.

Long-Term Health Concerns

Beyond the financial implications, Smith’s decision will also hinge on his health. His past battle with blood clots, while managed, is something that will continue to hang over his career. While he has not faced any significant issues since his diagnosis at Tennessee, the risk of developing health complications in the future could impact his decision-making process.

Football is a brutal sport, especially for offensive linemen who engage in constant physical contact. Smith’s decision on whether to pursue a long-term contract with the Chiefs, or whether to explore options elsewhere, may be influenced by the toll that football takes on his body. He will need to determine if the potential rewards outweigh the risks associated with continued physical play.

Additionally, Smith’s decision will involve conversations with medical professionals, as well as his family and advisors. He will likely weigh the long-term financial benefits against the potential consequences of further medical complications. A decision to step away from the game, although difficult, may be the best option for preserving his long-term health and well-being.

The Chiefs’ Future and Smith’s Role

The decision Smith faces is also influenced by his current role with the Chiefs and their trajectory as a franchise. Kansas City has been one of the most successful NFL teams in recent years, reaching multiple Super Bowls and remaining competitive in the AFC. Smith has been part of that success, contributing to the team’s offensive line overhaul and giving Patrick Mahomes the protection he needs to thrive.

However, with the NFL salary cap and financial pressures in play, the Chiefs may have to make tough decisions about which players they can afford to keep long-term. Smith’s future with the team is inextricably tied to how the Chiefs view his contribution to their overall success. If Smith continues to perform at a high level, he may be able to secure a long-term deal with Kansas City. However, if the Chiefs feel that other needs take priority or that they cannot afford to keep him due to financial constraints, Smith may have to consider other options.

Smith will need to weigh the possibility of staying with a Super Bowl-contending team like the Chiefs, where he could chase championships alongside Mahomes, against the potential to explore free agency and seek a larger contract with a different team. His decision will hinge on whether he feels his role with the Chiefs will remain strong, or if he sees better opportunities elsewhere.