This offseason, the Kansas City Chiefs placed the non-exclusive franchise tag on guard Trey Smith, which means he will play one season under the tag if the team can't reach a long-term deal.
The tag is listed at $23.4 million, which is a steep price for the guard to play on, and the Chiefs have until July 15th to work out a deal with Smith.
If the team and Smith cannot reach a contract by July 15th, then he will have to play under the franchise tag this season. Kristopher Knox from Bleacher Report thinks the team should find a way to reach a long-term deal with Smith this offseason.
"The Kansas City Chiefs have remained in the Super Bowl picture ever since Patrick Mahomes took over as their starting quarterback. However, offensive deficiencies loomed large during Kansas City's 40-22 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LIX," Knox wrote. "The Chiefs' offensive line was particularly problematic, as the Eagles defense consistently harassed Mahomes and shut down almost everything Kansas City did offensively. Reloading the line is this year's top offseason priority. The remaining work must start with an extension for guard Trey Smith, who is currently set to play on the franchise tag. The Chiefs have until July 15 to negotiate a long-term deal with the 25-year-old, which they have planned to do since giving him the tag."
Smith is one of the best guards in the NFL, and having him locked into a long-term deal would be an excellent thing for quarterback Patrick Mahomes to know he will be protected for a long time by one of the best in the sport.
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