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Since the Kansas City Chiefs began their dominant run in 2022, much of the spotlight has rightfully fallen on Patrick Mahomes and head coach Andy Reid.
But as the Chiefs built a dynasty, the unsung heroes in the trenches have played an equally vital role, none more consistently than right guard Trey Smith.
Why Trey Smith deserves to be the NFL's highest-paid guard
Drafted in the sixth round in 2021 after a health scare dropped his stock, Smith has since become a cornerstone on an offensive line anchored by elite center Creed Humphrey.
While Humphrey is now recognized as the top center in football, Smith's powerful presence next to him has helped fortify a unit crucial to Mahomes' success.
As offseason workouts continue and the league approaches its quieter phase between minicamps and training camp, Kansas City faces an important deadline.
The Chiefs placed the franchise tag on Smith earlier this year, locking him in at $23.4 million for 2025, a steep but justified price that makes him the highest-paid guard in the NFL, if only temporarily.
Smith has earned it.
He's started every game since entering the league, consistently grading in the 70s or higher according to Pro Football Focus.
At 6-foot-6 and 322 pounds, his blend of size, strength, and mobility has made him one of the most dependable interior linemen in the league.
Simply put, Kansas City has no one on the roster who comes close to replicating his level of play.
General manager Brett Veach has acknowledged the importance of retaining Smith, stating that the team hopes to reach a long-term agreement before the July 15 franchise tag deadline.
That deal could make Smith the highest-paid guard in league history, an outcome that now feels both inevitable and deserved.
As Mahomes continues into the heart of his career, protecting him becomes more critical than ever.
Sacrifices may need to be made elsewhere on the roster, but ensuring Smith stays in Kansas City long-term is a move the franchise can't afford to miss.
For a team built on excellence, keeping elite protection in place is just smart business.