The Kansas City Chiefs, fresh off their Super Bowl LIX appearance and with their sights set on another championship run, are deep into their Organized Team Activities (OTAs). These voluntary offseason workouts are a critical period for teams to integrate new talent, refine schemes, and build camaraderie before the intensity of training camp. For the Chiefs, this year’s OTAs have been particularly under the microscope, with significant attention paid to the presence and performance of key offensive players, including the much-anticipated return of wide receivers Rashee Rice and Marquise “Hollywood” Brown. While their participation has been a positive sign, one notable absence continues to draw discussion: starting right guard Trey Smith, who is navigating a complex contract situation.
Trey Smith was designated with the franchise tag by the Chiefs this offseason, a move that guarantees him a fully guaranteed $23.4 million for the 2025 season if a long-term deal is not reached. However, both Smith and the Chiefs have publicly expressed a desire to secure a multi-year extension. His decision to stay away from voluntary workouts is a common tactic employed by players in similar contract situations. It serves two primary purposes:
Leverage in Negotiations: By not attending, Smith subtly signals his desire for a new deal and avoids any potential injury that could complicate or devalue his contract negotiations.
Risk Mitigation: As OTAs are non-contact, the risk of a career-altering injury is low, but not zero. For a player seeking a significant long-term contract, even a minor injury could have substantial financial implications.
It’s important to note that Smith’s absence from voluntary OTAs is not indicative of any animosity or tension between him and the Chiefs organization. Both sides have reiterated their mutual interest in reaching an agreement. Smith has publicly stated his love for Kansas City and his desire to remain with the Chiefs long-term, calling it his “home.” General Manager Brett Veach has also consistently emphasized that signing Smith to an extension is a high priority for the team.
The deadline for franchise-tagged players to sign a long-term deal is July 15 at 4:00 p.m. ET. If an agreement is not reached by then, Smith will play the 2025 season on the one-year franchise tag. While his absence from OTAs is understandable from a business perspective, it means he misses valuable on-field reps with his offensive line teammates and Patrick Mahomes. However, as a seasoned veteran, Smith is expected to quickly re-acclimate once he returns, likely for mandatory minicamp or training camp. His consistent performance and leadership on the offensive line have been integral to the Chiefs’ recent Super Bowl successes, and securing his long-term future remains a key objective for the franchise.
Other Key Storylines from Chiefs OTAs
Beyond the spotlight on Rice, Brown, and Smith, several other important narratives are unfolding at Chiefs OTAs that contribute to the team’s overall preparation for the 2025 season:
Development of Young Receivers: With the additions of Brown and the return of Rice, the competition in the wide receiver room is intense. Young players like Xavier Worthy, the first-round pick, are getting valuable reps and showing flashes of their potential. Other receivers such as Tyquan Thornton and rookie Jalen Royals have also been noted as early standouts, vying for roster spots and playing time. This depth is critical for Mahomes, providing him with a diverse array of targets.
Offensive Line Continuity and Adjustments: While Trey Smith’s absence is notable, the rest of the offensive line is working to build cohesion. The departure of Joe Thuney via trade and the adjustments being made, such as Kingsley Suamataia potentially shifting to left guard, mean that the unit is undergoing some changes. The performance of this group will be paramount to protecting Mahomes and establishing the run game.
Defensive Continuity and New Additions: The Chiefs’ defense, a cornerstone of their recent championship runs, is also using OTAs to maintain its high level of play. Key defensive players like All-Pro Trent McDuffie are already making an impact, with McDuffie reportedly intercepting Patrick Mahomes during drills. New additions, such as cornerback Kristian Fulton, are integrating into Steve Spagnuolo’s complex defensive scheme, aiming to bolster an already strong unit.
Backup Quarterback Battle: While Mahomes is firmly entrenched as the starter, the competition for the backup quarterback role is also a quiet but important storyline. These early practices provide an opportunity for signal-callers behind Mahomes to demonstrate their command of the offense and their ability to execute.
Coaching Observations: Head Coach Andy Reid and his staff are meticulously observing every player, assessing their physical condition, understanding of the playbook, and overall readiness. These early evaluations inform decisions about depth charts, player roles, and areas requiring further focus as the offseason progresses.
Overall Outlook for the Chiefs in 2025
The Kansas City Chiefs enter the 2025 season with a clear objective: to become the first team in NFL history to win three consecutive Super Bowls. While they fell short in Super Bowl LIX, their consistent presence in the championship game over recent years underscores their sustained excellence. The developments at OTAs provide a mixed but generally optimistic outlook for their quest.
The return of Rashee Rice, despite his off-field challenges, is a significant boost to the receiving corps, assuming he avoids a lengthy suspension. His proven ability to produce with Mahomes adds a familiar and reliable element. The acquisition of Hollywood Brown fills a crucial need for speed and a deep threat, promising to unlock new dimensions of the Chiefs’ passing game. The potential synergy between Rice, Brown, and the perennial All-Pro Travis Kelce could make the Chiefs’ offense even more potent than it has been.
The ongoing contract situation with Trey Smith is a business reality of the NFL, and while his absence from voluntary workouts is not ideal, it is a calculated decision. The Chiefs’ front office has a track record of successfully navigating these situations, and there’s mutual interest in a long-term deal. The team’s defensive core remains strong, and the continued development of young talent on both sides of the ball suggests that the Chiefs are well-positioned for another highly competitive season.
Challenges remain, including the integration of new offensive linemen and the need for other young receivers to step up. However, with Patrick Mahomes at the helm, Andy Reid’s strategic brilliance, and a roster consistently replenished with talent, the Chiefs remain a formidable force in the AFC. The work being done now at OTAs, even in the absence of full-contact drills, is laying the essential groundwork for what promises to be another thrilling season in Kansas City.
Kansas City Chiefs OTAs are well underway, offering crucial insights into the team’s preparations for the 2025 NFL season. The most significant news revolves around the return to practice of wide receivers Rashee Rice and Marquise “Hollywood” Brown. Rice, despite ongoing legal issues and a recent illness, has shown no limitations in his recovery from a knee injury, signaling his readiness to contribute. Brown, the Chiefs’ key free-agent acquisition, is actively integrating into the offense, promising to add a much-needed deep threat to Patrick Mahomes’ arsenal.
However, the voluntary workouts have also highlighted the notable absence of starting right guard Trey Smith, who is currently engaged in long-term contract negotiations. While his absence is a strategic move to protect himself from injury during this critical period, both he and the team are committed to reaching a multi-year deal before the July 15 deadline.
Beyond these prominent storylines, the Chiefs are diligently working on developing their young talent, refining offensive line cohesion, and maintaining the strength of their formidable defense. The collective efforts at OTAs are vital for building the chemistry, understanding, and physical readiness required for the Chiefs to pursue their ambitious goal of a historic third consecutive Super Bowl championship. The early signs from the practice field suggest a team focused and determined, even as they navigate the complexities of player contracts and off-field situations.