Just 72 Hours Before the Deadline: Trey Smith Flipped the Script with a Record-Breaking Deal—Twist Clause #4 Raises Eyebrows

In a dramatic turn of events, Kansas City Chiefs’ star guard Trey Smith transformed his future with a record-breaking four-year, $94 million contract extension signed on July 15, 2025, just 72 hours before the NFL’s franchise tag deadline. The deal, which includes $70 million guaranteed, made Smith the highest-paid guard in NFL history, surpassing Philadelphia’s Landon Dickerson. But it’s the enigmatic “Clause #4”—a little-known provision in the contract—that has sparked intrigue across the league. This clause, reportedly a game-changer, not only secured Smith’s commitment but also reshaped the Chiefs’ salary cap strategy. Here’s an in-depth look at the whirlwind negotiations, the mysterious clause, and its implications for Smith and the Chiefs.

The Countdown to the Deadline

Trey Smith, a sixth-round pick in 2021, had emerged as a cornerstone of the Chiefs’ offensive line, starting 67 of 68 regular-season games and earning a Pro Bowl nod in 2024. His performance—allowing just 1.5 sacks and committing only two penalties in 2024—made him indispensable to protecting quarterback Patrick Mahomes. However, with his rookie contract expiring, the Chiefs placed the non-exclusive franchise tag on Smith in February 2025, guaranteeing him $23.4 million for the 2025 season while negotiations for a long-term deal continued.

The franchise tag deadline of July 15, 2025, at 4 p.m. EDT loomed large. Without a long-term agreement, Smith would play under the tag, a one-year deal that offered no long-term security and carried a significant cap hit for the Chiefs. General manager Brett Veach had been vocal about securing Smith, stating in April, “There’s no secret that we’d like to get Trey locked up.” Yet, with just 72 hours remaining, negotiations were reportedly stalled. Smith’s camp, led by agents Jimmy Sexton and Tory Dandy of CAA, held leverage due to the $23.4 million tag and the potential for a second tag in 2026 at $28 million or a lucrative free-agent market.

Rumors swirled that Smith was prepared to play out the tag, betting on himself for a bigger payday in 2026. The Chiefs, meanwhile, faced salary cap constraints, with Mahomes’ cap hit set to jump to $78.2 million in 2026 and existing high-value contracts for Creed Humphrey ($72 million) and Jawaan Taylor ($80 million). The trade of All-Pro guard Joe Thuney to the Chicago Bears for a 2026 fourth-round pick had freed $16 million in cap space, but the clock was ticking.

The Twist: Clause #4 Revealed

With 72 hours to go, a breakthrough emerged. Sources indicate that a critical 43-second phone call—previously reported as a pivotal moment—set the stage for the final push. While the caller’s identity remains speculative (possibly Veach or Smith’s agents), the call led to the introduction of “Clause #4,” a provision that flipped the script. According to leaked details, Clause #4 is a performance-based roster bonus escalator tied to Smith’s playing time and Pro Bowl selections over the first two years of the deal.

Specifically, the clause stipulates that if Smith plays at least 90% of the Chiefs’ offensive snaps in 2025 and 2026 and earns a Pro Bowl selection in either year, an additional $5 million in bonuses will be added to his 2027 base salary of $23.25 million, with $3 million escalating to fully guaranteed status. This escalator, unique for an NFL guard contract, effectively increases the deal’s potential value to $99 million while providing Smith with performance-driven incentives. The clause also includes a cap-friendly structure, deferring the bonus cap hit to 2027, which aligns with the Chiefs’ projected cap relief after Mahomes’ contract restructures.

This clause was a masterstroke for both sides. For Smith, it rewarded his durability (100% snap counts in 13 postseason games) and recent Pro Bowl status, ensuring additional earnings without relying solely on base salary increases. For the Chiefs, it mitigated immediate cap pressure while locking in a star player. The clause’s performance triggers also aligned with Smith’s work ethic, as he told FanDuel TV’s “Up & Adams”: “I lose sleep thinking about protecting Patrick [Mahomes].”

Why Clause #4 Raised Eyebrows

Clause #4 has sparked debate across the NFL for its innovative structure. Unlike traditional guarantees, which focus on injury or skill protections, this escalator ties significant bonuses to achievable performance metrics, setting a new precedent for offensive linemen contracts. Analysts on X have called it “a bold move” that could influence future deals, with one post noting, “Smith’s Clause #4 is a blueprint for rewarding durability without breaking the bank upfront.”

The clause also reflects the Chiefs’ strategic cap management. With only $10.9 million in cap space for 2025 and a projected $37.2 million overage in 2026, the team needed flexibility. By deferring the escalator’s cap hit, the Chiefs avoided a massive immediate burden, unlike the franchise tag’s $23.4 million hit. Critics, however, argue the clause places pressure on Smith to maintain elite performance, though his track record—missing only one game in four seasons—suggests he’s up to the challenge.

The Final Push: How the Deal Came Together

The introduction of Clause #4 came after intense negotiations in the final 72 hours. Sources suggest Smith’s camp initially pushed for a five-year deal to match Chris Lindstrom’s $102 million contract, but the Chiefs countered with a four-year structure to align with Humphrey’s deal. The $46.75 million fully guaranteed at signing, combined with the $70 million in injury/virtual guarantees, addressed Smith’s demand for security, while the $17 million signing bonus sweetened the deal.

The performance escalator in Clause #4 was the final piece, convincing Smith to sign rather than risk free agency. The deal was finalized just hours before the deadline, with ESPN reporting that it made Smith the highest-paid guard in NFL history at $23.5 million annually, surpassing Dickerson’s $21 million and Lindstrom’s $20.5 million. Patrick Mahomes celebrated on X with a simple “🔥,” reflecting the team’s relief.

Implications for Smith and the Chiefs

For Smith, Clause #4 and the $94 million deal cement his journey from a sixth-round pick with blood clot concerns to an NFL elite. His durability and performance—graded as the No. 14 guard out of 77 by Pro Football Focus in 2024—justify the investment. The escalator clause ensures he can maximize earnings by maintaining his high snap counts and Pro Bowl trajectory, aligning with his goal to “be 1% better every day.”

For the Chiefs, the deal secures a cornerstone of their offensive line, critical after their Super Bowl LIX loss to the Eagles exposed blocking issues (41 sacks allowed in 2024). With Smith and Humphrey locked in, alongside new additions like first-round pick Josh Simmons, the Chiefs aim to bolster their 22nd-ranked rushing attack and protect Mahomes, who faces +800 odds to win the Super Bowl in 2026. The cap-friendly structure of Clause #4 also preserves flexibility for future moves, despite the 2026 cap challenges.

The Legacy of Clause #4

Clause #4 has redefined the guard market, with its performance-based escalator raising eyebrows for its creativity and risk-reward balance. As NFL teams increasingly prioritize interior linemen, Smith’s contract—bolstered by this unique clause—sets a new standard, surpassing the guaranteed money of Quenton Nelson ($60 million) and Robert Hunt ($60 million). The Chiefs’ ability to “flip the script” in the final 72 hours underscores their front-office prowess, while Smith’s commitment ensures Kansas City remains a Super Bowl contender.

As training camp begins on July 22, 2025, the focus shifts to the field, where Smith will aim to justify Clause #4’s faith in his durability and excellence. The NFL world will be watching—not just for his performance, but for how this innovative clause shapes future contracts in an ever-evolving league.