Chiefs Announce ‘No-Brainer’ Roster Move With $23.4 Million Payoff

Kansas City needs to bolster its offensive line, and the retention of its better ones has always been a smart move.

There was an obvious issue with the Kansas City Chiefs all season despite their run through the AFC for a third straight year.

The offensive line, a group that had been rebuilt since their Super Bowl blowout loss in Super Bowl LV, suffered key injuries throughout the season and forced many of their better players to perform out of position.

Kansas City Chiefs guard Trey Smith (65) during the third quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium.

Kyle Terada/Imagn Images

All-Pro guard Joe Thuney was forced to move to left tackle later in the year.

By that standard, it’s no wonder how the Philadelphia Eagles blew out the Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX. It also shows another key part to Kansas City’s run, though.

Despite how poor they looked at times as an offensive line group, there are key players the team needs to focus on retaining and finding ways to make happy over the years. Thuney and All-Pro center Creed Humphrey are main catalysts, but former sixth-round guard Trey Smith remains a key part to the team as well.

It’s exactly why the Chiefs announced on Friday that they have decided to place the transition tag on the 25-year-old.

The tag carries a guaranteed salary of $23.402 million if Smith plays out the full year under the terms. With the non-exclusive tag, the Chiefs have left the door open for other teams to talk to Smith and potentially sign him to an offer sheet. The Chiefs would in the event of an outside bid have the option to match any offer but would be entitled to two first-round picks as compensation if not.

Smith made a Pro Bowl this past season. The former Tennessee product has shown his ability to play at a high level. It was a no-brainer for the Chiefs to bring him back at the price it ended up being.

Now, they have to go and try to continue to compete for a Super Bowl again.