Andrew Buller-Russ
Now that the Kansas City Chiefs came up short in their attempt to become the first team in NFL history to win three consecutive Super Bowls in a row, they need to address their weaknesses.
One area that absolutely needs to be upgraded is the offensive line after Patrick Mahomes suffered a career-high six sacks in their loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. Yet, one of their best players, starting right guard Trey Smith, is set for free agency.
The Chiefs are already paying several stars massive paychecks. They have four players who have a cap hit of more than $25 million in 2025, including two offensive linemen. They have a total of six players with a cap hit higher than $10 million, including three offensive linemen.
Kansas City is already over its spending limit for the 2025 season, yet Smith is also coming off a Pro Bowl year. So, what will the team do with their starting right guard this offseason?
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Kansas City Chiefs could place rare transition tag on Trey Smith
Typically, when players at the top of their game enter free agency, they earn top-dollar as a top-five earner at their position. That’s the expectation for Trey Smith, too, whether he stays with the Kansas City Chiefs or joins another team.
Of course, the Chiefs could always decide to place the franchise tag on the soon-to-be 26-year-old. Another option is the rarely used transition tag.
However, ESPN’s Adam Schefter recently suggested the transition tag is much more likely than the franchise tag for Smith this offseason.
“Hard to imagine the Chiefs franchise tag Trey Smith. A transition tag is more palatable and plausible.”
ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Kansas City Chiefs/Trey Smith
It’s worth noting that the transition tag for an offensive guard is projected to be roughly $22.7 million this offseason. That would amount to a savings of an estimated $3 million over the franchise tag.
Plus, the transition tag would allow the Chiefs to match any offer that comes their way. However, if they do not match the terms, Smith would sign elsewhere and Kansas City wouldn’t get anything in return.
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