{"id":32030,"date":"2025-03-10T08:40:23","date_gmt":"2025-03-10T08:40:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/usatoday.azontree.com\/?p=32030"},"modified":"2025-03-10T08:40:23","modified_gmt":"2025-03-10T08:40:23","slug":"breaking-chiefs-make-23-4-million-move-on-patrick-mahomes-protector","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/usatoday.azontree.com\/?p=32030","title":{"rendered":"BREAKING : Chiefs make $23.4 million move on Patrick Mahomes protector"},"content":{"rendered":"
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The Kansas City Chiefs got roughhoused by the Philadelphia Eagles in the Super Bowl. Including watching Patrick Mahomes take six sacks. Now the Chiefs addressed their pass protection moving forward through a $23.4 million move.<\/p>\n

The reigning AFC champions\u00a0have placed the franchise tag\u00a0on guard Trey Smith, per NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport Sunday. Smith\u00a0recently joined Tee Higgins in making franchise tag history\u00a0that hasn\u2019t occurred since 1994.\u00a0This deal is worth only one year.<\/p>\n

\u201cFully guaranteed deal and officially making him the NFL\u2019s highest-paid guard,\u201d Rapoport said on X. \u201cKC would like to work out a long-term deal.\u201d<\/p>\n

Per Rapoport\u2019s words, Kansas City wants Smith to hang around beyond 2025. But for now, this is the first step in ensuring Mahomes has protection moving forward. In the form of a lineman he knows already.<\/p>\n

Fans react to Chiefs move on Patrick Mahomes protector<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Jan 26, 2025; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs guard Trey Smith (65) against the Buffalo Bills in the AFC Championship game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.\u00a0Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Smith isn\u2019t a household name on the Chiefs. He handles the dirty work for Mahomes, that\u2019s why. Smith also clears running lanes for\u00a0Isiah Pacheco<\/a>. He then gives Mahomes enough time to hit Travis Kelce, Xavier Worthy and others in the passing attack.<\/p>\n

But he\u2019s beloved among Chiefs Kingdom. Fans sounded off on the move.<\/p>\n

\u201cWelcome back officially brother, Trey Smith,\u201d the X account The Kingdom\u00a0posted on X<\/a>. \u201cLet\u2019s roll!\u201d<\/p>\n

Another fan account raved about how much of a \u201cdawg\u201d Smith is when on the football field.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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