The Kansas City Chiefs are tabling contract negotiations with offensive guard Trey Smith until after the 2025 NFL Draft.
"Hopefully we get that done. There's no lack of interest or will or desire on our end," general manager Brett Veach said Thursday, per NFL.com's Kevin Patra. "There's no secret there that we'd like to get Trey locked up."
Smith has developed into a reliable piece of Kansas City's offensive line after being drafted in the sixth round of the 2021 draft. The Tennessee product has started 67 regular season games and 13 postseason contests through four seasons. The Chiefs placed the franchise tag on Smith in February, making him the highest-paid guard in the league with a one-year deal worth $23.4 million. Both sides have until July 15 to work out a multi-year extension, at which point Smith will have to play out next season on a one-year tender.
Kansas City is focused on fortifying its offensive line after losing to the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LIX. Offensive guard Joe Thuney slid over to left tackle to help protect the blindside of quarterback Patrick Mahomes before being traded to the Chicago Bears this offseason.
Veach identified the offensive line as one of the Chiefs' top needs ahead of the draft despite signing offensive tackle Jaylon Moore and having Jawaan Taylor under contract for two more seasons.
"I think, obviously, any chance that you have to draft a guy that can project to be a starting left tackle, you do that," Veach said, per The Kansas City Star's Sam McDowell. "They're really hard to come by."
Veach also noted that George Karlaftis and Trent McDuffie could potentially land an extension this offseason. While the Chiefs can pick up the fifth-year options on both Karlaftis and McDuffie's contracts for the 2026 season before the May 1 deadline, they're prioritizing new deals for both players.
"Once this (draft) process ends, we'll be in discussions with Trey, trying to get him done, and then I'm sure at some point here (with) George and Trent," Veach said, per Patra.
The Chiefs hold eight selections in the NFL draft, including the No. 31 overall pick, and have not ruled out trading out of the first round after giving first-round grades to only 12 to 13 prospects.
"I know that I've shown to be more aggressive, but I'm certainly open to (trading back)," Veach said, according to The Kansas City Star's Jesse Newell. "And if it makes sense for us, and we can acquire additional picks, yeah, I'd be all for it."
