After an ugly loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in the Super Bowl, the upcoming Kansas City Chiefs offseason could be one of the most pivotal in the franchise’s recent history. As the club awaits a decision from Travis Kelce on retirement, another Pro Bowl starter faces an uncertain future.

Trey Smith, age 25, earned his first Pro Bowl selection this past season. Selected with the 226th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, Smith cemented himself as one of the best guards in the NFL this past season. It came at the perfect time, in a contract year with a chance to earn a lucrative deal on the open market.

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Kansas City wants him back, especially given its intentions to move All-Pro offensive lineman Joe Thuney back to left guard in 2025. Re-signing Smith and kicking Thuney inside back to his natural position would create one of the best interior lines in the NFL.

However, NFL rumors for over a month have pointed toward a departure. Smith is the best offensive lineman available in NFL free agency with teams like the New England Patriots, Chicago Bears, Los Angeles Chargers and Tennessee Titans all in the market for a Pro Bowl guard. Many around the league have viewed it as a foregone conclusion that Smith would leave Kansas City, but that might no longer be the case.

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Dianna Russini of The Athletic wrote that while she previously thought the Chiefs front office would let Smith walk, she now expects a “strong push” from the organization to retain him.

Doing so would come at a hefty price. Current NFL contract projections for Smith have him making north of $20 million per season, becoming the highest-paid guard in NFL history. If that’s the case, Kansas City would have more invested in its interior offensive line than any other club by a significant margin.

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However, the club also saw the importance of protecting Patrick Mahomes in the Super Bowl. It’s why every effort will be made to re-sign Smith, keeping the core of the Chiefs offensive line together. If Kansas City falls short in its efforts to re-sign the Pro Bowl guard, it will likely pursue a veteran left tackle in free agency.