The Kansas City Chiefs have locked up right guard Trey Smith with a record‑setting four‑year, $94 million contract extension – $70 million fully guaranteed, making him the highest‑paid guard in NFL history, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
Why Did the Kansas City Chiefs Make Trey Smith the Highest-Paid Guard Ever?
After the announcement, Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes had one response: a smiley face emoji on X.
😁
— Patrick Mahomes II (@PatrickMahomes) July 15, 2025
Mahomes should be happy. Smith has not missed a game in four NFL seasons and is viewed as perhaps Mahomes’ most reliable protector.
As one of the top interior linemen in the NFL, he forms a core that includes center Creed Humphrey, and re-signing him removes uncertainty heading into the 2025 season.
Prior to signing the contract, Smith had been hit with the franchise tag, which prevented him from hitting the open market after completing his rookie contract. Had Smith and the Chiefs not come to terms, he would have been limited to playing on a one-year deal in 2025 worth $23.4 million.
Smith was a sixth-round pick (226th overall) out of Tennessee in the 2021 NFL Draft. He instantly became the Chiefs’ starting right guard and earned Pro Football Writers of America All-Rookie honors.
How Did Smith Transform from Sixth-Round Pick to Elite Guard?
He was crucial in two of the Chiefs’ Super Bowl victories, allowing zero sacks in Super Bowl LVII and repeating the task in Super Bowl LVIII. He made his first Pro Bowl in 2024.
Smith grades out at 78.8 on PFF with a pass block grade of 70.7 and a run block grade of 80.8 on 1,115 snaps in 2024. He ranks in the top four percentile in run-blocking since 2021 and is listed among the top seven guards heading into 2025 by PFF.
The 6’6″, 321-pound guard was a two-time first-team All-SEC selection at guard while with the Volunteers. His draft stock took a hit after he dealt with blood clots in his lungs. The one-time five-star recruit dropped far down on NFL draft boards. Smith became a steal for the Chiefs as he developed into one of their best offensive linemen.
What Does This Deal Mean for Kansas City’s Future?
Smith’s contract extension is a significant win for general manager Brett Veach and head coach Andy Reid, who’ve emphasized continuity along the offensive line during the Mahomes era.
The Chiefs rebuilt their trenches internally after trading veteran guard Joe Thuney to the Chicago Bears and opted to rely on Kingsley Suamataia, Wanya Morris, and Hunter Nourzad to replace him.
They invested $30 million, including $21.2 million guaranteed, in left tackle Jaylon Moore and expect him to compete for the starting role. Smith’s hefty contract signals that the Chiefs would rather develop players within the organization and pay their homegrown talent.