Former Tennessee offensive lineman Trey Smith has earned his first Pro Bowl nomination in his fourth season in the league after being drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs in the 6th round of the 2021 NFL Draft.
Smith immediately meshed with the Cheifs and Andy Reid's offensive system. He has helped the Chiefs win two Super Bowls and has recorded 66 career starts in his four seasons in the league.
He's earning his first trip to the Pro Bowl after recording 1,112 snaps this season with zero sacks allowed. The veteran guard has found a home with the Chiefs and has been dominant in his role of protecting franchise quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
The NFL announced the Pro Bowl rosters on Thursday, and Trey Smith is one of five Chiefs players to be named on this year's AFC roster. Interestingly enough, the two-time MVP and All-Pro Patrick Mahomes won't join Smith and the other Chiefs players as a Pro Bowl player.
Smith is joined by fellow Chiefs offensive linemen Joe Thuney and Creed Humphrey, defensive lineman Chris Jones, and star tight end Travis Kelce.
The Jackson, Tennessee, native will be a free agent after the 2024 season, with his contract with the Chiefs expiring at the conclusion of the season. ESPN's Jeremy Fowler believes that Smith could become the highest-paid offensive guard in the league if he hits the market.
"There's an expectation that Smith could become the highest-paid guard in the NFL," Fowler said. "The top of the market currently sits at $21.5 million per year, and the Chiefs are at least bracing for life without him because of that price. Smith is a top-10 interior lineman in the league, and the Panthers giving Robert Hunt a $100 million free agency deal back in March had to get Smith's attention."