The Kansas City Chiefs have officially informed Pro Bowl guard Trey Smith of their decision to place the franchise tag on him. This strategic move, announced ahead of the Monday 4 p.m. ET deadline, ensures Smith remains with the team while both parties negotiate a potential long-term contract until July 15. By tagging Smith, the Chiefs have effectively removed him from the free agent market and secured one of the league's top-performing guards.
Smith's performance on the field has been nothing short of impressive. In 2024, he ranked 13th among guards in pass block win rate at 93.9% and boasted a career-high run block win rate of 75.1%, ranking sixth. Notably, he allowed only 1.5 sacks and committed a mere two penalties, according to NFL Next Gen Stats. His consistent excellence was recognized with his first Pro Bowl selection, highlighting his impact on the Chiefs' offensive line.
The franchise tag will see Smith earn approximately $23.4 million for the upcoming season, essentially making him the highest-paid guard in the NFL, surpassing Philadelphia Eagles' Landon Dickerson, who earns $21 million annually. Smith's journey with the Chiefs began in 2021 when he was drafted in the sixth round out of Tennessee. Despite a promising college career, concerns over a blood-clot issue in his lungs led to his lower draft position. However, he quickly proved his worth by starting 67 of 68 regular-season games over four years and maintaining an unbroken streak of starts in 13 postseason games.
Smith's ascent within the league has been marked by remarkable consistency. In the previous three seasons, he finished in the top four in pass rush win rate among guards, including securing second place in both 2021 (96.0%) and 2023 (96.6%). His prowess on the field has been instrumental in the Chiefs' offensive success.
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