According to multiple insiders, the Chiefs informed Smith they will franchise tag him ahead of the March 4 deadline. This keeps Smith under Kansas City's control as they work to reach an extension with him.

Already carrying three eight-figure-per-year contracts along their offensive front, the Chiefs will have a difficult time re-signing Trey Smith. The right guard may well, depending on the franchise tag statuses of Tee Higgins and Sam Darnold,

Similar to last year with pass rusher Chris Jones, GM Brett Veach acknowledged that re-signing Smith, 25, is the team’s top priority.