The Kansas City Chiefs and Patrick Mahomes are off back-to-back Super Bowl wins, and with Super Bowl LIX against the Philadelphia Eagles looming, they are chasing NFL history—a third straight championship. However, the business side of football never stops, and the Chiefs have some major decisions to make this offseason.
From potential free agency losses to much-needed roster upgrades, this could be a very busy few months for Kansas City.
One of the biggest concerns for Kansas City this offseason is Trey Smith, a key piece of the offensive line. Since being drafted, Smith has been a pillar of consistency, helping to protect Patrick Mahomes and create space for the Chiefs’ run game. However, with his contract expiring, he’s set to become one of the top offensive linemen in free agency—and teams are lining up to pay him.
Why the Titans could land Trey Smith from the Chiefs
Analysts predict that the Tennessee Titans could be a strong contender to sign Smith. Here’s why:
- The Titans have $50.3 million in projected cap space, making them one of the few teams able to offer Smith a massive contract.
- Tennessee just hired former Chiefs assistant GM Mike Borgonzi as their new general manager, so there’s a direct connection to Smith.
- The Titans need to rebuild their offensive line, especially if they bring in a new quarterback in 2025. Pairing Smith with young standout Peter Skoronski would solidify their offensive interior.
However, the Titans aren’t the only team pursuing Smith. Reports suggest that the Chicago Bears are also in the mix, per ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.
UPDATE: Via ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, Trey Smith is favorited to land on The Chicago Bears.
— Just Another Year Chicago: Bears (@JAYChi_Bears) January 29, 2025
Smith, 25, is the #2 free agent on ESPN's Top-50 list and projected to ask for $20+mil a year.
What are your thoughts on Trey Smith to the Bears? pic.twitter.com/D14vJpvqb6
What the Chiefs are up against
Kansas City would love to keep Smith, but Spotrac projects his new deal at four years, $78 million—a hefty price tag. The Chiefs already have cap space concerns and other roster needs, meaning they may struggle to match what other teams can offer.
Smith already has two Super Bowl rings and could be going for a third, so he might prioritize financial security over staying in Kansas City. If he leaves, the Chiefs will be forced to find a replacement.
Finding a solution at Left Tackle
Regardless of whether Trey Smith stays or goes, the Chiefs must improve their offensive line. Left tackle has been a particular weak spot since Donovan Smith’s departure, and Kansas City’s current options haven’t worked out.
- Kingsley Suamataia and Wanya Morris were both given opportunities but struggled.
- Morris earned a 53.0 PFF grade, ranking 71st out of 81 tackles.
- Suamataia’s 37.9 PFF grade was even worse and would have ranked dead last if he played enough snaps.
Is Cam Robinson the Answer to KC’s Left tackle problem?
One name that keeps popping up as a potential fix is Cam Robinson, a former Minnesota Vikings and Jacksonville Jaguars left tackle. According to Pro Football Focus’ Zoltán Buday, the Chiefs are the best landing spot for Robinson.
- Robinson has a 77.2 PFF pass-blocking grade, ranking 25th out of 68 tackles with at least 1,000 snaps in the last four seasons.
- The Chiefs don’t need an elite left tackle since they have talent elsewhere on the line, but they need someone better than what they had in 2024.
- Robinson’s contract is expiring, and at just 29 years old, he still has plenty of good years left.
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Can the Chiefs afford him?
Robinson won’t come cheap—his last contract was three years, $54 million, and he’ll likely demand another big payday. However, if the Chiefs are serious about protecting Mahomes and keeping their offense explosive, investing in a solid left tackle like Robinson could be worth every penny.
Hollywood Brown—should he return?
When Kansas City signed Marquise “Hollywood” Brown to a one-year deal for the 2024-25 season, they hoped he would provide a big boost to their receiving corps. Unfortunately, things didn’t go as planned.
Brown’s underwhelming performance
- Brown only played two games in the regular season due to injuries.
- He had nine receptions for 91 yards, averaging 10.1 yards per catch—not terrible, but nowhere near what was expected.
- The biggest issue? Drops and inconsistency—he struggled to make an impact when on the field.
Does He Deserve Another Shot?
With DeAndre Hopkins also on a one-year deal, the Chiefs might prioritize keeping Hopkins over Brown. Hopkins had a much bigger impact in his short time with the team, making him a more attractive option for Kansas City’s receiving group.
Spotrac estimates Brown’s next contract could be around $8 million per year. The Chiefs can afford it, but after an injury-riddled and disappointing season, is he worth the money?
A Last Chance in the Super Bowl?
One thing working in Brown’s favor: the Super Bowl can make or break careers. If he manages to have a breakout game against the Eagles and helps Kansas City win a third straight title, his value could skyrocket.
Other teams may already be calling his agent, wondering if he’s available for 2025. If Brown wants to stay in Kansas City, he needs to show up in the biggest game of the year.