Trey Smith signs $94 million extension with Kansas City Chiefs, becomes NFL's highest-paid guard

Chiefs secure Pro Bowl guard with record-breaking deal

Kansas City Chiefs offensive guard Trey Smith has signed a four-year contract extension worth $94 million, according to ESPN reports on July 15. The deal was completed ahead of the franchise tag deadline for multi-year contract negotiations.

Smith will receive $70 million guaranteed over the contract's duration, establishing him as the highest-paid offensive guard in the National Football League. The 26-year-old Jackson, Tennessee native earned his first Pro Bowl selection last season.

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Former Tennessee star overcomes draft concerns

Smith's professional career represents a significant rise from his 2021 NFL Draft position. The former Tennessee Volunteers standout was selected in the sixth round by the Chiefs despite earning two All-SEC honors during his college career in Knoxville.

Medical concerns regarding Smith's history with blood clots contributed to his late draft selection. However, the guard has demonstrated exceptional durability throughout his NFL tenure, starting 80 of 81 possible games across regular season and playoff competition during his four-year career.

Franchise tag strategy leads to extension

The Chiefs placed Smith under the franchise tag during the spring, preventing him from entering unrestricted free agency. Without Tuesday's extension agreement, Smith would have earned $23.4 million in 2025 under franchise tag terms and could have pursued unrestricted free agency in 2026.

The contract extension secures a key component of Kansas City's offensive line as the team pursues additional championship success. Smith has contributed to two Super Bowl victories during his Chiefs tenure, establishing himself as a cornerstone of the franchise's championship-caliber roster.