The Kansas City Chiefs have known the offensive line would likely be the biggest area of need this offseason, and with Trey Smith a looming free agent, they acted quickly.
With the franchise tag applied to Smith, the Chiefs will have him for the 2025 season at least, but there might still be hope of a long-term contract coming his way.
Guard Joe Thuney was sensationally traded to the Chicago Bears, so the offensive line is again an area that the Chiefs have to reinforce.
But for CBS Sports, out of all Kansas City's impending free agents, keeping Smith has been the best move for the Chiefs.
"OG Trey Smith: If the Chiefs were going to do anything this offseason, it was going to involve shoring up Patrick Mahomes' front," CBS Sports writes. "Tagging Smith ensures Kansas City will at least keep one top blocker in tow."
Smith staying is certainly a boost, but now that Thuney is in Chicago, there are two holes that the Chiefs must fill at left tackle and left guard.
Are the answers already on the roster with Wanya Morris, Kingsley Suamataia, or Mike Caliendo? Neither of that trio inspires confidence right now, but there is free agency and the draft that the Chiefs can strengthen.
Related: Travis Kelce Reveals No. 1 Reason for Major Chiefs Decision
We have seen a lot of mock drafts that have the Chiefs taking a tackle in the first round, and it feels like good business with Patrick Mahomes needing protection.
But keeping Smith no doubt is the best move thus far, but if the Chiefs are to get back to the summit, it can't be the only move they make.
Related: Chiefs Trade Mahomes' All-Pro Protector To Bears
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This story was originally published March 5, 2025 at 5:45 PM.