The Kansas City Chiefs’ offensive line struggled in their 40-22 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LIX, allowing six sacks. This offseason, the Chiefs must do everything possible to ensure that quarterback Patrick Mahomes has the protection he needs to make another playoff run.
One major concern is that starting guard Trey Smith is not under contract for next year. With holes on the offensive line, losing Smith, who recently made his first Pro Bowl appearance, could cause the unit to regress. Smith, 25, is entering his fifth NFL season and was rated the 14th-best guard by Pro Football Focus last year.
Given their offensive line situation, Kansas City cannot allow Smith to test the free agent market. NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported that the Chiefs intend to franchise Smith. According to NFL Network, if he plays with the franchise tag, his one-year contract is expected to be worth $23.4 million.
This one-year contract will make Smith the highest-paid guard in the NFL, and awarding $23.4 million to an interior offensive lineman may have an impact on other areas of the team.
The most difficult part of paying one player is not being able to afford others, and running back Isiah Pacheco is about to feel the effects of Smith’s franchise tag.
Pacheco, 26, is in the final year of his contract, and Tony Pauline of Sportskeeda is unsure whether the former seventh-round pick will return to Kansas City after the season. Pauline stated that the Chiefs have decided not to extend Pacheco this offseason.
“An extension for running back Isiah Pacheco, who is in the final year of his rookie deal, won’t be considered until the season starts and the former seventh-round pick proves he’s back to health and prior form.” Pauline wrote. “Offensive lineman Trey Smith is the priority, as the team hopes to sign their Pro Bowl guard, who will reportedly receive the franchise tag.”
Pacheco played only seven regular-season games last year due to a fibula injury that kept him out for the majority of the season. While Pacheco was unavailable, the Chiefs signed free agent running back Kareem Hunt, who had a solid season with 728 rushing yards and seven touchdowns in 13 games.
Kansas City finished the season 15-2, with Pacheco missing 10 games. The Chiefs’ offense did not miss a beat without their talented running back, which could lead to a change in direction for the franchise next offseason.
