KANSAS CITY, MO – The Kansas City Chiefs have decided to use a franchise tag on right guard Trey Smith, preventing him from entering the free-agent market. This move was confirmed on Friday, with the team opting for a non-exclusive franchise tag on the four-year veteran. The tag comes with a salary of $23.402 million for the full year. By choosing the non-exclusive tag, the Chiefs allow other teams to negotiate with Smith and possibly make him an offer. However, the Chiefs have the right to match any offer and would receive two first-round picks as compensation if they choose not to. While it is unlikely that Smith will leave, the team previously tagged cornerback L’Jarius Sneed and later traded him to the Titans, showing that unexpected outcomes can occur.
It has been reported that the Chiefs are looking to secure a long-term deal with Smith before the July 15 deadline. This situation highlights the potential for various scenarios, as seen with the departure of Sneed to another team. The franchise tag is a strategic move by the Chiefs to maintain control over Smith’s future with the team. This tactic gives them time to negotiate a deal while ensuring that they have the option to retain him under certain conditions. This decision showcases the Chiefs’ commitment to building a strong team and securing key players for the long term. It also demonstrates the value they place on Smith’s contribution to the offensive line.
Smith’s performance on the field has undoubtedly made him a valuable asset for the Chiefs, prompting the team to take this step to secure his services. The franchise tag is a mechanism that teams use to retain key players and prevent them from leaving in free agency. The Chiefs’ utilization of the tag reflects their strategic planning and willingness to invest in top talent. As negotiations continue towards a long-term agreement, both parties will seek a resolution that benefits the team and the player. The upcoming months will be crucial in determining Smith’s future with the Chiefs and the direction of the team. Fans will be eagerly awaiting further developments as the situation unfolds.