The Kansas City Chiefs finalized a groundbreaking contract with offensive guard Trey Smith on the eve of the franchise tag deadline, agreeing to a four-year, $94 million deal that makes him the highest-paid guard in <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/football/nfl/”>NFL history. This new deal, announced in 2024, replaces Smith’s previous one-year, $23 million franchise tag contract and includes $70 million guaranteed, setting a new standard for guard salaries across the league.
Details of Trey Smith’s Long-Term Contract with Kansas City
Trey Smith, 26, was the last player on the Chiefs’ roster to still be under the franchise tag applied earlier this year. The deadline to agree on a long-term contract was Tuesday at 3 p.m., and the team announced the deal shortly before that cutoff. Smith’s new contract extends through the 2028 NFL season, removing uncertainty surrounding his future and solidifying his place as a cornerstone of the Chiefs’ revamped offensive line.
This contract provides Smith with $70 million guaranteed, the highest guarantee amount ever given to a guard in the NFL. His average annual value of $23.5 million surpasses the previous top guard salary by nearly 12 percent. The deal also reflects the Chiefs’ firm commitment to building a strong, youthful offensive front, surrounding Smith with key players such as free-agent addition Jaylon Moore, All-Pro center Creed Humphrey, newly drafted first-round pick Josh Simmons, and right tackle Jawaan Taylor.
The significance of this agreement was further highlighted by the Chiefs’ offseason decisions, particularly trading veteran guard Joe Thuney to the Chicago Bears in exchange for a 2026 fourth-round draft pick. This move freed up $16 million in salary cap space, enabling Kansas City to prioritize a lucrative extension for Smith and focus on securing younger talent at the position.
Comparing Smith’s Contract to Other Top NFL Guards
Before the contract details emerged, many analysts anticipated Trey Smith would become the highest-paid guard, a status he already achieved temporarily through his franchise tag salary of $23.4 million. Previous records in the position were held by players like Landon Dickerson, who signed a four-year, $84 million contract with the Philadelphia Eagles, and Carolina’s Robert Hunt, whose five-year deal totaled $100 million with $63 million guaranteed.
Initial projections estimated Smith’s new deal would be around four years and $86.5 million, including about $60.25 million guaranteed. These predictions considered guarantees received by Creed Humphrey and Jawaan Taylor, whose contracts were 70 to 75 percent guaranteed. However, Smith’s actual contract exceeded these expectations, offering a 75 percent guarantee on his $94 million deal, with $70 million guaranteed—significantly above previous benchmarks for guards.
Smith’s contract not only raises the financial bar for his position but also underscores the inflation of salaries at key offensive line spots, mirroring the increasing value teams place on protecting their quarterbacks and establishing dominance upfront.
Strength and Implications of the Chiefs’ Commitment to Trey Smith
Smith’s deal represents a strong vote of confidence from the Kansas City Chiefs, providing him with significant financial security early in his career. At signing, two of the four years are fully guaranteed, with a high likelihood that a third year will also become guaranteed by the third league day of 2026. This structured guarantee enhances Smith’s long-term security while aligning his compensation with ongoing salary cap growth across the NFL.
While Smith could potentially have earned even more on the open market next year due to expected salary cap increases, the Chiefs locked in his services now, ensuring continuity on their offensive line and retaining a key contributor to their offense. Smith’s role is critical for a team that relies heavily on strong line play to protect star quarterback Patrick Mahomes and maintain offensive efficiency.
With Smith signed through 2028, the Chiefs have cemented a foundation to support both veteran leaders and rising talent on the roster. This financial commitment also illustrates the evolving market for interior offensive linemen, as teams are increasingly willing to invest heavily in guard positions to maintain competitive edges.
Moving forward, this deal will likely influence negotiations and contract expectations for elite guards league-wide, raising the bar for future deals and potentially accelerating salary growth at this position. The Chiefs’ decision to invest heavily in Trey Smith signals a clear strategy to dominate offensive line matchups for years to come.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Does Trey Smith have Parkinson’s?
A. In 2021, due to his worsening Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases, Trey and Louise moved back to Charlotte.