The Kansas City Chiefs are doubling down on their mission to protect Patrick Mahomes, and their latest move sends a clear message: the offensive line is the priority, and no expense will be spared. After a bruising Super Bowl loss in February, the Chiefs have been relentless in bolstering their front five. They signed former San Francisco 49ers tackle Jaylon Moore to anchor Mahomes’ blind side, snagged Ohio State standout Josh Simmons at the tail end of the first round in the 2025 NFL Draft, and now, just before Tuesday’s franchise-tag deadline, they’ve locked in Pro-Bowl guard Trey Smith with a blockbuster contract. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Smith’s four-year, $92 million extension—complete with $70 million guaranteed—makes him the highest-paid guard in NFL history.

This deal is a statement from general manager Brett Veach: Mahomes will not endure another season of relentless pressure. But in the salary-cap-constrained world of the NFL, every dollar committed to one player is a dollar taken from another. With Over the Cap projecting the Chiefs to be over the cap again next offseason, Smith’s massive payday sets off a domino effect that could spell the end for several key veterans. Here are the three players most likely to feel the squeeze.

3. LB Drue Tranquill

Drue Tranquill has been a reliable contributor to Kansas City’s defense, a steady presence at linebacker who brings energy and versatility. In a perfect world, the Chiefs would love to keep him. But with fellow linebacker Nick Bolton already secured on a three-year deal with a cap hit ballooning toward $20 million in 2026, the math gets tricky. Off-ball linebackers aren’t typically the NFL’s highest-priority investments, and Tranquill’s skill set—while valuable—doesn’t scream irreplaceable. Cutting him would free up $6 million in cap space, a tempting figure for a team looking to allocate resources elsewhere. Expect the Chiefs to lean on the draft or bargain-bin free agents to fill the void, leaving Tranquill’s future in Kansas City uncertain.

Pro-Bowl guard Trey Smith and the Chiefs reached agreement just ahead of today’s franchise-tag deadline on a four-year, $94 million deal that includes $70 million guaranteed and makes him the highest-paid guard in NFL history, ESPN’s sources tell me and @ByNateTaylor.

It’s the…

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 15, 2025

2. DE Mike Danna

Mike Danna’s breakout 2023 season earned him a three-year deal, but his 2024 performance—3.5 sacks, eight quarterback hits, and 41 tackles—fell short of expectations. With a $11.2 million cap hit looming in 2026, Danna’s role as a rotational edge rusher feels expendable, especially after the Chiefs used a third-round pick on Ashton Gillotte to deepen their defensive line. Kansas City’s front office has shown a knack for finding cost-effective replacements, and Danna’s lackluster production makes him a prime candidate for release. The savings could be redirected to more pressing needs, signaling that Danna’s days in red and gold may be numbered.

1. OT Jawaan Taylor

The biggest casualty of the Chiefs’ cap crunch could be offensive tackle Jawaan Taylor, whose inconsistent play was glaringly exposed in the Super Bowl against Philadelphia. Taylor’s maddening highs and lows have long frustrated fans, and with a $20 million cap hit in 2026, his tenure feels increasingly untenable. The Chiefs have options: Jaylon Moore is poised to solidify the left tackle spot, while Josh Simmons and Kingsley Suamataia represent high-upside young talent. Add in Wanya Morris as a capable swing tackle, and Kansas City’s offensive line depth looks robust enough to move on from Taylor. Releasing him before June 1 would save a whopping $20 million, a move that feels almost inevitable given the team’s recent investments. The selection of Simmons, in particular, screams succession planning, and Smith’s extension only accelerates Taylor’s likely exit.

The Bigger Picture

Trey Smith’s historic contract is a bold step toward ensuring Patrick Mahomes has the protection he needs to continue his reign as the NFL’s premier quarterback. But the Chiefs’ aggressive spending comes with consequences. With the salary cap looming like a guillotine, players like Tranquill, Danna, and Taylor are on the chopping block. As Kansas City reshapes its roster for another Super Bowl run, these veterans may find themselves as the collateral damage of a team determined to keep its star upright—and its dynasty intact.