Chiefs’ Brett Veach 'pretty optimistic' something can get done with Trey Smith
It’s safe to call Smith a priority re-signing
INDIANAPOLIS – Chiefs general manager Brett Veach has personnel decisions to make ahead of the start of the NFL’s new calendar year on March 12.
Twenty-eight decisions, to be exact.
The figure represents the number of players from the 2024 roster scheduled to enter free agency, specifically 20 unrestricted free agents (UFA), five restricted free agents (RFA) and three exclusive-rights free agents (ERFA).
The UFA list for the Chiefs is essentially a who’s who among key contributors, including the likes of right guard Trey Smith, safety Justin Reid, linebacker Nick Bolton, defensive end Charles Omenihu and wide receivers Justin Watson, Mecole Hardman and DeAndre Hopkins.
While each player makes sense to bring back, Veach has his sights set on Smith as a priority.
“He’ll obviously be at the top of the list,” Veach said Tuesday at the NFL Scouting Combine. “We’ve already had good dialogue with him and with CAA [and Smith’s agents]. So, obviously a lot to work through but this is the time of the year to do that.”
Veach’s comments provide a good indication of how much the team wants Smith.
It’s not uncommon for Veach during the NFL Scouting Combine to point out he will talk to a player’s agent ahead of free agency. But those talks when it comes to Smith have already begun, according to Veach.
Re-signing the 6-foot-5, 321-pound Smith, who turns 26 in June, would provide long-term stability at right guard. And Smith certainly made his case get paid as one of the NFL’s top guards, evidenced by coming off a Pro Bowl campaign, starting 67 regular-season game since entering the league in 2021 as a sixth-round pick and being a mainstay at his position in three Super Bowl appearances.
The biggest question, however, is whether the Chiefs can afford him.
Veach doesn’t appear deterred by potential financial obstacles and made it clear discussion between the Chiefs and Smith’s agent will proceed.
Moreover, Veach is hopeful something can get done to keep Smith in Kansas City.
“Again, we’ve already had some initial dialogue and that will continue on this week and in the days to come leading up to free agency,” Veach said. “We’ll certainly do what we can and I feel pretty optimistic about our possibilities there.”