The Kansas City Chiefs have secured guard Trey Smith with a four-year contract extension worth $92 million, making him the highest-paid guard in NFL history, according to Jordan Schultz and ESPN’s Adam Schefter. This deal, finalized in early 2024, includes $70 million guaranteed, underscoring the team’s commitment to maintaining a strong offensive line.
Details Behind Trey Smith’s New Contract
The four-year agreement for Trey Smith carries a total value of $92 million, including $70 million guaranteed, which surpasses the previous top guard salaries in the league. The franchise placed a tag on Smith at $23.4 million, a figure notably above the previous guard market benchmark set by Eagles guard Landon Dickerson’s $21 million annual salary. This franchise tag amount served as the baseline in negotiations and influenced the contract’s final numbers.
Last season, the Chiefs experienced setbacks due to offensive line struggles that contributed to missing out on a third consecutive Super Bowl title. Retaining Smith became a priority because of his key role in stabilizing the line, and the franchise tag was their primary leverage to prevent him from entering free agency, which pressured both sides during the extension talks.
Smith’s Journey and Performance with the Chiefs
Trey Smith, age 26, was a standout at Tennessee, earning two first-team All-SEC honors despite facing health challenges including blood clots during his sophomore year. These issues led to Smith dropping to the sixth round of the 2021 NFL Draft, where the Chiefs selected him. He initially signed a rookie contract valued at $3.61 million with a signing bonus just over $130,000 and saw an increased base salary of $3.366 million in 2024 due to the Proven Performance Escalator.
During the 2024 NFL season, Smith started all 17 games at right guard for Kansas City, earning recognition as the 14th highest-graded guard among 77 players evaluated by Pro Football Focus. His consistent presence and performance on the field were critical to the Chiefs’ offensive line strength throughout the year.
What the Extension Means for the Chiefs and Smith
By finalizing this contract, the Chiefs have not only ensured the retention of a key offensive lineman but have also set a new financial standard for guards across the NFL. Smith’s deal reflects the growing importance of high-level interior offensive line play in protecting quarterbacks and supporting the running game. Going forward, this contract solidifies Smith’s future with the Chiefs and reinforces the team’s long-term strategy in maintaining a dominant offensive front.
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 Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s, and both conditions were getting worse.