Unless Kansas City can sign a long-term deal with their right guard — or trade him — he’ll have big 2025 paydays.

The Kansas City Chiefs’ Trey Smith became the NFL’s highest-paid guard with a freshly inked $23.4 million deal.

Former Tennessee Vols offensive lineman Trey Smith reached a unique career milestone on Sunday. Smith, who just completed his fourth season in the NFL, officially signed his franchise tag with the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday evening.

Although Kansas City's guard is scheduled to receive the franchise tag, it's possible the Chiefs have an interest in another expensive lineman and would trade him.

Kansas City Chiefs RG Trey Smith is one step closer to signing a long-term extension with the team on Sunday. According to a report from NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, Smith has officially signed his franchise tag,

February 27 - Trey Smith was informed he will be franchise-tagged by the Chiefs, according to multiple reports, in a move that will make him the NFL's highest-paid guard while blocking a path to free agency. NFL teams have until Monday to use the franchise ...

It does not appear Trey Smith will consider a holdout. He signed his franchise tender Sunday, NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport tweets. This will guarantee the Pro Bowl guard’s $23.4MM salary.