Trey Smith, Nick Bolton, or Justin Reid? Chiefs’ Franchise Tag Decision Could Shake Up 2025!

As the 2025 NFL season approaches, the Kansas City Chiefs are facing a crucial decision regarding the future of some of their most vital players. With the franchise tag window opening, the Chiefs have a handful of key players who are eligible for this tag, which would allow the team to retain them for another season at a predetermined salary. This decision could have significant implications not only for the 2025 season but also for the Chiefs’ long-term strategy.

For the Chiefs, one of the most important things to consider is the franchise tag’s value. For offensive linemen, it’s projected to be a substantial $25 million, while other positions will have varying tag amounts. The franchise tag serves as a temporary solution, giving the Chiefs an extra year to negotiate a long-term contract or evaluate their options. Among the candidates to be tagged are three players who have had significant impacts on the team’s performance in recent seasons: Trey Smith, Nick Bolton, and Justin Reid.

Trey Smith (OG): A Wall on the Offensive Line

Trey Smith has been a standout player on the Chiefs’ offensive line, consistently demonstrating his exceptional skills in both pass protection and run blocking. His presence has been key to keeping quarterback Patrick Mahomes protected and the Chiefs’ offense moving forward. Given how vital offensive line stability is for a championship-contending team, the Chiefs could decide to use the franchise tag on Smith to ensure they don’t lose one of their most dependable linemen.

Retaining Smith would be an important move, as it helps maintain the offensive stability the Chiefs have become known for under head coach Andy Reid. With the ever-changing dynamics of the NFL, securing a solid offensive line is essential for keeping Mahomes and the rest of the offense in sync. The franchise tag on Smith could give the Chiefs more time to work out a long-term deal while ensuring that the offensive line remains a strength.

Nick Bolton (LB): The Heart of the Defense

Nick Bolton has quickly become one of the Chiefs’ most valuable defensive players. With 106 tackles, three sacks, and multiple forced turnovers last season, Bolton played a pivotal role in the team’s top-ranked run defense. His ability to read plays, stop the run, and rush the quarterback has made him a central figure in the Chiefs’ defensive scheme.

A franchise tag on Bolton would give the Chiefs another year to evaluate the linebacker’s long-term potential. It would also buy the team more time to figure out how to extend Bolton’s contract, keeping him in Kansas City for the foreseeable future. Given how important linebackers are to defensive stability, the Chiefs might feel the need to lock Bolton down for at least one more year while they work out a more permanent deal.

Justin Reid (S): A Cornerstone in the Secondary

Justin Reid has emerged as a cornerstone of the Chiefs’ secondary. Since joining the team, he has played a crucial role in the defense’s overall success, offering both versatility and leadership. Reid’s ability to make plays in the air, his tackling ability, and his leadership on the field have made him indispensable to the Chiefs’ defense.

With the Chiefs’ defense continuing to evolve and improve, the franchise tag on Reid could ensure the team keeps him in the fold for another year. Given his critical role in the defensive backfield, the Chiefs might prioritize tagging Reid as a way to stabilize their secondary while they negotiate a long-term deal. The tag would also give them time to evaluate how Reid fits into the team’s long-term defensive plans.

What’s at Stake?

The decision to franchise tag any of these three players is not only about keeping them for the 2025 season but also about ensuring the Chiefs’ continued competitiveness. Using the franchise tag provides the team with additional time to evaluate its salary cap situation and make sure they’re making the best moves for their future. Whether they choose to tag Smith, Bolton, or Reid, it’s clear that the decision will have lasting consequences for the team’s roster and salary cap management.

As the franchise tag deadline approaches, Chiefs fans will be anxiously awaiting the team’s decision. Will the Chiefs lock down one of their key defensive or offensive players, or will they let the clock run out and risk losing an important contributor? Only time will tell, but whatever happens, the franchise tag decision will certainly shake up the 2025 season and beyond.