With the $23.4 million franchise tag as his bird in the hand, the Chiefs had to give guard Trey Smith an enticing two in the bush. And then some.
Here’s a look at the contract signed by Smith on the last day for converting the one-year tender into a long-term deal, per a source with knowledge of the terms:
1. Signing bonus: $17 million.
2. 2025 base salary: $10 million, fully guaranteed.
3. 2026 workout bonus: $250,000.
4. 2026 base salary: $19.75 million, fully guaranteed.
5. 2027 workout bonus: $250,000.
6. 2027 base salary: $23.25 million, guaranteed for injury at signing and fully guaranteed as of the third day of the 2026 league year.
7. 2028 workout bonus: $250,000.
8. 2028 base salary: $23.25 million.
It’s a four-year, $94 million deal. The $23.5 million average (new money and from signing) makes him the highest-paid guard in NFL history, by $2.5 million per year.
As a practical matter, the first three years of the deal are guaranteed, at $70 million. (And $70.5 million, if he earns the 2026 and 2027 workout bonuses.)
It’s a great deal for Smith, especially since it has only one non-guaranteed year on the back end. At a time when others are committing for six total years, Smith is committed for only four.
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