Former Tennessee guard Trey Smith won’t get tag from Chiefs
Trey Smith, a former guard for Tennessee, is apparently making a significant move toward unrestricted free agency.
Nate Taylor of The Athletic reported that the Kansas City Chiefs do not currently have any plans to place Smith under the franchise or transition tags. Smith will be subject to free agency when it opens on March 12 if the two parties cannot agree on a long-term deal.
Since being selected in the sixth round of the 2021 NFL Draft, Smith has appeared in every season with the Chiefs, playing more than 1,000 snaps. For the team, he has started 67 of 68 games. He started every regular season game during his rookie season in 2021, making him the 18th player in franchise history to do so.
Smith played more than 770 snaps as a pass-blocker in 2024 and only gave up one sack.
Chiefs source Adam Teicher stated in ESPN’s offseason primer last month that although Kansas City would like to keep Smith, it’s “far more likely” that he will explore elsewhere.
For the upcoming season, the Chiefs have already committed large sums of money to Joe Thuney, Jawaan Taylor, and Creed Humphrey. Last year, Humphrey signed a rookie extension for $72 million for four years. However, Taylor stated that Kansas City might try to pay Smith, a 25-year-old Pro Bowl guard, among the highest salaries in the league.
Trey Smith, who was drafted by the Chiefs in the sixth round of the 2021 NFL Draft, has quickly emerged as one of the most reliable and durable members of Kansas City’s offensive line. His decision to leave Tennessee early and declare for the draft was a calculated one, and it paid off, as he joined a Chiefs team that was in the midst of a Super Bowl window and looking to solidify its offensive line. His rise from a mid-round pick to a core part of one of the most potent offenses in the NFL was a story of hard work, resilience, and overcoming obstacles.
Now, with the Chiefs opting not to extend the franchise tag to Smith, the next steps in his career are uncertain, with several questions arising about his future in Kansas City and what this means for the Chiefs’ offensive line in the years to come.
Trey Smith’s Rise from Tennessee to the NFL
Before his days with the Chiefs, Trey Smith was a standout offensive lineman for the Tennessee Volunteers. During his time in Knoxville, Smith played in 34 games over three seasons, earning numerous accolades and recognition for his skill and leadership on the field. At 6-foot-6 and 330 pounds, Smith possessed a rare combination of size, strength, and athleticism, making him a dominant force on the line of scrimmage.
Smith’s college career was marred by some health concerns, most notably a diagnosis of blood clots in his lungs, which required him to miss some time during his sophomore year. However, he returned to form in his junior season, showcasing his exceptional ability as a run blocker and pass protector. His versatility and high-level play caught the attention of NFL scouts, and Smith was expected to be one of the top guard prospects in the 2021 NFL Draft.
When the Chiefs selected him in the sixth round, many analysts saw it as a steal. Smith had the talent of a much higher draft pick, but concerns over his health led to his slide down the board. The Chiefs, however, saw the potential and took a chance on the former Vol. That gamble has paid off.
Smith’s Impact on the Chiefs’ Offensive Line
After being drafted, Trey Smith quickly made an impact on the Chiefs’ offensive line, playing in 16 games during his rookie season and starting in 15 of them. His transition to the NFL was seamless, and he quickly became a fixture in Kansas City’s line, known for his strength, work ethic, and ability to protect quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Smith played with a level of consistency and tenacity that belied his youth, earning praise from coaches, teammates, and analysts alike for his ability to contribute immediately.
Smith’s physicality in the run game and pass protection was key to the Chiefs’ success. As one of the more reliable guards in the league, Smith helped pave the way for Kansas City’s explosive offense, which often relies on both a powerful ground game and the ability to protect Mahomes as he works his magic in the pocket. Smith’s ability to neutralize defensive linemen and create running lanes for the team’s ball carriers made him a key piece of the Chiefs’ offensive line.
His sophomore season saw even more growth, with Smith continuing to demonstrate his durability, starting in all 17 games for the Chiefs. He was a cornerstone of the unit, earning the respect of his peers and coaches alike. As a result, he became one of the Chiefs’ most important young players, poised for a bright future in the NFL.
The Decision Not to Franchise Tag Smith
Given Smith’s rapid rise and solidified role in the Chiefs’ offensive line, the decision not to franchise tag him has raised many eyebrows. The franchise tag is typically used by teams to retain their best players when a long-term contract agreement has not yet been reached. In most cases, the tag is applied to players who are seen as vital to a team’s success. With the Chiefs coming off a Super Bowl appearance and Smith playing an essential role in their offensive line, many expected the team to use the tag to secure him for another year while negotiations for a new contract could take place.
However, it seems that the Chiefs have opted not to move forward with that plan, choosing instead to let Smith enter free agency. This decision could be a reflection of several factors, including salary cap concerns, contract negotiations, and the Chiefs’ long-term vision for the offensive line. It’s also possible that the team is taking a more conservative approach, as the cost of the franchise tag for an offensive lineman is significant, and Kansas City may want to avoid committing that type of money if they aren’t fully certain about the terms of a future contract.
While the decision not to tag Smith may have surprised some, it may also signal that the Chiefs have confidence in their ability to lock him up to a long-term deal without the need for the franchise tag. However, it could also mean that they are open to exploring other options for strengthening the offensive line, which could include focusing on other key positions or allocating resources elsewhere.
What’s Next for Trey Smith?
The decision to not tag Smith means that he will now be able to enter free agency, where he will likely draw interest from numerous teams looking to shore up their offensive lines. Given his track record with the Chiefs and his solid play over the past two seasons, Smith is expected to be one of the most sought-after free agents on the market. His combination of size, skill, and experience makes him an attractive option for any team looking to improve their offensive line, and he should have no shortage of suitors.
However, Smith will also need to weigh his options carefully. While he has certainly shown he can thrive in the Chiefs’ high-powered offense, he will need to consider what other teams can offer him in terms of playing time, contract stability, and overall system fit. The decision to leave Kansas City after just two seasons would be a big one, but it could also offer Smith a fresh start with a new team or a lucrative contract extension elsewhere.
For the Chiefs, the priority will now be to address their offensive line situation in the coming months. While they have several talented players on the roster, the loss of Smith would leave a void at the guard position. The Chiefs may look to the draft or free agency to find a replacement, but replacing a player of Smith’s caliber won’t be easy. His performance over the past two seasons has shown that he is one of the top young guards in the league, and Kansas City will need to ensure they maintain the strength and cohesion of their offensive line moving forward.
The Broader Context: Offensive Line Trends in the NFL
Trey Smith’s situation also fits into the broader context of how NFL teams are handling offensive line talent in the modern league. As offenses evolve and the value of protecting quarterbacks increases, the importance of strong offensive lines has become even more pronounced. Teams are placing greater emphasis on investing in their offensive lines, whether it’s through early draft picks, lucrative contracts, or long-term investments.
In recent years, offensive linemen like Smith have become crucial pieces in helping teams sustain success. Quarterbacks are taking more hits than ever before, and running backs need clear lanes to break through. As such, the need for top-tier offensive line talent has skyrocketed. Smith, who was once seen as a potential mid-round steal, has now firmly established himself as one of the league’s rising stars in the trenches.
For Trey Smith, the next few months will be a period of uncertainty, but also an exciting time filled with potential. Whether he stays with the Chiefs or signs with another team, his future in the NFL looks bright. And given his consistent play and leadership, it wouldn’t be surprising if he ends up getting a lucrative contract extension that will secure his place among the top offensive linemen in the league for years to come.
