Patrick Mahomes knows the value of protection—and he just got a massive reason to smile. The Kansas City Chiefs locked in one of their most reliable offensive linemen, Trey Smith, with a $94 million deal that shook the NFL. Mahomes didn’t need words to say how he felt. A single emoji did the trick.
Trey Smith Lands Record-Breaking Deal—and Patrick Mahomes Approves
Smith, the Chiefs’ rock-solid right guard, signed a four-year, $94 million extension on July 17, with a whopping $70 million guaranteed. That makes him the highest-paid guard in NFL history, eclipsing Landon Dickerson’s previous record of $21 million per year.
When the NFL shared the news via X (formerly Twitter), Mahomes reacted the way any MVP would: by resharing the post with a just a simple smile emoji.
Smith has been a key figure in protecting Mahomes since entering the league as a sixth-round pick out of Tennessee in 2021. After playing out his rookie contract, Kansas City used the franchise tag on Smith earlier this offseason to avoid losing him in free agency. Now, he’s locked in long-term—and Mahomes can rest a little easier.
Patrick Mahomes Retains 2 of His Biggest Protectors
With the departure of Joe Thuney earlier this year, the Chiefs’ offensive line saw some shake-up—but the core is holding strong. Smith will continue to line up next to star center Creed Humphrey, who signed a major deal of his own last season.
Humphrey reacted to the Smith news on X with a tongue-in-cheek reference to the 1982 duet by Stevie Wonder and Paul McCartney, joking that the two linemen are now “living in perfect harmony.”
The chemistry between Humphrey and Smith has been one of the reasons Mahomes has managed to thrive under pressure—even as defenses continue to evolve. With Smith’s extension, the Chiefs made it clear they’re investing in Mahomes’ longevity and keeping their quarterback upright.
Smith’s durability and dominance are crucial, especially as the team prepares for another Super Bowl run. He’s started nearly every game since his rookie year and will now anchor Kansas City’s offensive interior for years to come.
Trey Smith Honors His Parents in Emotional Post-Signing Moment
After inking his deal on Wednesday, July 16, Smith didn’t run to celebrate with teammates or post a flashy highlight reel. Instead, he picked up the phone to call his father, Henry Smith—a moment captured and shared by the Chiefs’ official Instagram account.
“I appreciate everything you and Mom did for me to get to this moment,” Smith told his dad. “I understand it wouldn’t be possible without y’all’s sacrifice.”
Henry responded with equal heart: “You were dedicated. I remember those summers being in the yard working hard… while everybody else was enjoying the air conditioner and watching TV. You make me very proud.”
The tribute didn’t stop there. Smith posted a photo of his late mother, Dorsetta Smith, on his Instagram Story alongside the words:
“That was for you Dorsetta Smith ❤️”
Dorsetta passed away in 2015 from congestive heart failure, just shy of her 52nd birthday. Smith has long credited his parents for instilling in him the grit and values that now define his professional career.
Comments
Patrick Mahomes Reacts to the Kansas City Chiefs’ Latest $94 Million Move