The deadline for a long-term agreement involving franchise-tagged Kansas City Chiefs guard Trey Smith arrives on Tuesday at 4:00 p.m. ET. If no contract extension is finalized by then, Smith will play next season under the franchise tag, earning a fully guaranteed salary of $23.4 million, positioning him as the third highest-paid player on the Chiefs.
Smith’s franchise tag salary ranks just behind quarterback Patrick Mahomes ($28 million), offensive tackle Jawaan Taylor ($27.3 million), and defensive lineman Chris Jones ($23.6 million), reflecting the team’s valuation of his importance. With the Trey Smith long-term deal deadline imminent, attention is focused on whether the guard will accept an extended deal or test free agency after playing under the tag in 2025.
Understanding Trey Smith’s Contract Situation and Options
Smith holds a lucrative deal for the 2025 season if no agreement is reached, but future uncertainty remains. He faces the possibility of receiving a second franchise tag in 2026 at an estimated $28 million, or becoming a free agent and negotiating with other teams. Sources close to the negotiations emphasize that any long-term arrangement must be financially sensible for Smith, reflecting his value and risk.
One complicating factor involves the unique demands placed on Chiefs players due to the team‘s extended postseason runs, which arguably warrant additional compensation beyond the standard structure of NFL contracts. Over his four seasons, Smith has taken part in roughly 13 extra games, playing every snap in each postseason appearance.
The Impact of Extended Playoff Runs on Player Compensation
The Chiefs’ sustained playoff success means their seasons extend beyond the standard 17 regular-season games, with many campaigns stretching to 20 or 21 total games, as seen in four consecutive years. Smith has participated in 80 of the possible 81 games during his tenure, an indicator of both his durability and the increasing workload on players during these extended seasons.
This situation has sparked discussion about whether Smith’s contract should include enhanced payments tied to playoff appearances, since the current playoff bonuses are relatively modest compared to the extra games he plays annually. An incentive structure could provide payments per postseason game that supplement his average yearly salary, but only if the Chiefs maintain their high level of success.
Potential Ripple Effects on Chiefs Players and Negotiations
Should the Chiefs agree to increased playoff game compensation for Smith, other key team members would likely seek similar terms, potentially setting a precedent the franchise wishes to avoid. Nevertheless, the argument for such adjustments is strong, given the physical demands and number of games played by core contributors like Smith and Mahomes in the playoffs.
This ongoing negotiation highlights a larger issue facing the league: as the NFL debates expanding the regular season to 18 games and increasing international matchups, players‘ calls for better compensation for the additional workload, including more lucrative playoff paychecks, are gaining traction.
Broader Implications for the NFL and Player Collective Bargaining
The questions raised by Smith and the Chiefs’ situation could influence collective bargaining talks between players and the league. Improving playoff compensation may become a key item the NFL Players Association pushes for in future agreements, particularly as the league aims to increase the number of games and reconsider revenue sharing models.
For the Chiefs and Trey Smith, the decision over this long-term deal will weigh heavily on balancing immediate guaranteed income with potential future earnings, while possibly shaping how playoffs bonuses are structured for high-impact players moving forward.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Does Trey Smith have Parkinson’s?
A. In 2021, Trey and Louise moved back to Charlotte because Trey was diagnosed with more severe stages of Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases.