The Chiefs made a surprising move with the franchise tag. Here’s their explanation for it — and the reverberation from the decision.

Thursday brought word that the Chiefs were going to use a franchise tag to keep right guard Trey Smith from hitting the open market and Friday brought confirmation.

According to multiple reports, the Kansas City Chiefs intend to place the franchise tag on star guard Trey Smith, which means the Vikings will need to pivot with free agency looming next month. Here are the best guards available in free agency:

The Kansas City Chiefs could help their offense by pairing their highly paid offensive line with a veteran running back.

The Kansas City Chiefs need to improve their offensive line this offseason. They also have to resign their top lineman to a new deal. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes needs to be protected.

Smith is a two-time Super Bowl champion with the Chiefs, and was named to the 2024 Pro Bowl. He is a major piece of Kansas City's offensive line, especially coming off a Super Bowl loss where the O-line's problems were front and center.

ET on March 4, all 32 teams are permitted to apply a franchise tag to one of their pending free agents. The one-year tender, which is fully guaranteed, is

The #Chiefs are planning to franchise tag star guard Trey Smith, sources say. An intriguing move, as KC keeps one of its best players for $23.4M on a 1-year, fully guaranteed deal. pic.twitter.com/IOnctKg7WE

Full Kansas City Chiefs 2025 NFL Mock Draft with a 3-round projection following the retention of star guard Trey Smith with the franchise tag and before the heart of free agency begins.

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 and transition tag designations to retain players scheduled to become free agents next month.