The Kansas City Chiefs chose the younger Trey Smith over Joe Thuney this offseason. Now, the goal is to get a long-term deal done with Smith to ensure he's in K.C. for the long haul, Kevin Patra of NFL.com reports

The Chiefs used the franchise tag on Smith. The $23.402 million value for one year already makes him the highest-paid guard in the NFL.

During his pre-draft press conference, Kansas City general manager Brett Veach said that the club believes a long-term solution is forthcoming, acknowledgin that both sides are waiting for the draft to conclude to focus on negotiations.

"Hopefully we get that done. There's no lack of interest or will or desire on our end," Veach said, noting he had talks with Smith's agents at CAA during the NFL Scouting Combine and the Annual League Meeting. "Also, CAA has a ton of draft prospects, and they have a ton going on, so we've exchanged multiple phone calls (and) multiple emails. My guess is once the draft's over and our focus is back on taking care of the players that are here and trying to get those guys locked up. CAA, on their end, they are one of the leading agencies in regards to the players they produce every year, so I'm sure once things settle down on both ends, we'll be in a position to continue this dialogue and hopefully make some progress there. There's no secret there that we'd like to get Trey locked up."

A sixth-round pick in 2021, Smith has worked his way into one of the best right guards in the NFL. An excellent run blocker and solid pass protector, the 25-year-old still has room to grow. The Chiefs are betting he will.

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