The Kansas City Chiefs are entering the NFL offseason on a reflective note after a challenging conclusion to their Super Bowl aspirations. After posting an impressive 15-2 record during the regular season and securing the top seed in the AFC, the Chiefs faced a tough defeat against the Philadelphia Eagles in the Super Bowl. They wrapped up their campaign with a solid overall record of 17-3, highlighted by playoff victories over the Buffalo Bills and the Houston Texans.
Following this tough playoff exit, all eyes in Kansas City have turned to free agency, which looks to be the focal point of their offseason strategy. In a recent move that signals their commitment to shoring up their offensive line, the Chiefs announced the signing of offensive lineman Trey Smith to a non-exclusive franchise tender.
Smith, who joined the Chiefs in 2021 after being selected in the sixth round of that year’s draft, has made quite an impact during his young career. A standout player at the University of Tennessee from 2017 to 2020, Smith’s journey has seen him become a vital part of the Chiefs’ offensive front. Notably, he earned a Pro Bowl selection for the 2024 season and has contributed to two Super Bowl championships with the team. Alongside fellow stalwarts Joe Thuney and Creed Humphrey, Smith serves as a key anchor for the Chiefs’ offensive line.
By placing a non-exclusive franchise tag on Smith, Kansas City secures his services for at least another season. This designation gives Smith the opportunity to negotiate an offer sheet with other teams, but the Chiefs retain the right to match any offer he receives or, if he departs, collect two first-round draft picks as compensation. This strategic move highlights the Chiefs’ intent to safeguard their investments along the offensive line while also testing the waters in an ever-evolving league landscape.
As the offseason unfolds, expect Kansas City to navigate free agency with a strong focus on building around their core, ensuring they bounce back stronger after this season’s setback.
