Extension Talks Not Finalized Yet for the Kansas City Chiefs

As the Kansas City Chiefs push toward another playoff run, one storyline hanging over the franchise is the status of ongoing contract extension talks with several key players—talks that, as of late December, remain unresolved. The Chiefs enter the final weeks of the regular season with critical contributors like defensive tackle Chris Jones and right guard Trey Smith set to enter the final year of their contracts in 2026, and while both sides have expressed optimism about reaching deals, no agreements have been signed. The holdup isn’t due to a lack of desire; instead, it stems from the complexities of the NFL salary cap, differing expectations on contract value, and the team’s need to balance short-term success with long-term roster stability. For Chiefs fans, the uncertainty adds a layer of tension to an otherwise promising season, as questions linger about whether core players will remain in Kansas City beyond next year. Extension Talks Not Finalized Yet for the Kansas City Chiefs is a story of careful negotiation, where both the team and its players are working to find common ground—without rushing into decisions that could harm the franchise’s future.

The most high-profile extension talk involves Chris Jones, the Chiefs’ star defensive tackle and one of the NFL’s most dominant interior pass rushers. Jones, who is in the final year of a four-year, \(80 million contract signed in 2022, has made it clear he wants to be among the highest-paid defensive players in the league—a group that now includes players like Aaron Donald (who earns \)31.6 million per year) and Quinnen Williams (\(31 million per year). The Chiefs have acknowledged Jones’ value—he’s recorded 12 sacks and 28 quarterback pressures this season—but they’re also mindful of the salary cap, which is projected to be around \)255 million in 2026. Sources close to the negotiations say the two sides have discussed a contract in the range of \(28–\)30 million per year, but disagreements remain over the length of the deal (Jones wants a four-year contract, while the Chiefs prefer three years) and guaranteed money (Jones is seeking \(80 million in guarantees, while the Chiefs have offered \)65 million). The talks have been amicable—Jones has repeatedly said he wants to stay in Kansas City—but both sides are taking their time to avoid a repeat of the 2023 holdout that kept Jones out of training camp. Extension Talks Not Finalized Yet for the Kansas City Chiefs is most closely tied to Jones’ situation, as his future with the team will shape the defense for years to come.

Another key extension talk involves Trey Smith, the Chiefs’ 25-year-old right guard who has emerged as one of the league’s top interior linemen. Smith, a sixth-round pick in 2021, is playing on a rookie contract that pays him just \(2.7 million this season—far below his market value. The Chiefs have made extending Smith a priority, as he’s a critical part of an offensive line that protects Patrick Mahomes and clears the way for Isiah Pacheco’s rushing attack. Smith has started all 15 games this season and grades as the Chiefs’ second-best offensive lineman by Pro Football Focus, with a 82.3 run-blocking grade that ranks among the top five guards in the NFL. Talks between Smith and the Chiefs have focused on a four-year contract, but disagreements persist over annual salary: Smith’s camp is seeking around \)16–\(17 million per year (comparable to other top guards like Zack Martin, who earns \)18 million per year), while the Chiefs have offered \(14–\)15 million per year. The delay isn’t about talent—both sides agree Smith is worth a long-term deal—but about fitting his contract into the Chiefs’ cap plan, which already includes large salaries for Mahomes (\(52.6 million per year), Travis Kelce (\)14.3 million), and Tyreek Hill ($30 million). The Chiefs want to avoid overcommitting to one position group, while Smith’s camp wants fair compensation for his performance. Extension Talks Not Finalized Yet for the Kansas City Chiefs also highlights the challenge of keeping a championship-caliber offensive line intact in the modern NFL.

The Kansas City Chiefs’ salary cap situation is a major factor in the delayed extension talks, as the team must balance retaining key players with leaving room for future signings. As of now, the Chiefs have approximately \(15 million in cap space for 2026, but that number will shrink once they sign draft picks and account for injury reserves. Extending both Jones and Smith would require the Chiefs to restructure existing contracts—something they’ve done in the past with players like Kelce and Hill—to free up space. For example, restructuring Mahomes’ contract to convert base salary into signing bonus could create an additional \)20 million in cap space, but it would also push more money into future years, potentially limiting the Chiefs’ flexibility down the line. The Kansas City Chiefs’ front office, led by general manager Brett Veach, is known for its conservative approach to the salary cap—preferring to avoid long-term risks even if it means short-term delays in extensions. Veach has said publicly that the team “won’t rush into deals that hurt our ability to compete year after year,” and that philosophy is guiding the current talks. While fans may be eager for resolutions, the Kansas City Chiefs are prioritizing sustainability over speed—a strategy that has helped them remain contenders for a decade. Extension Talks Not Finalized Yet for the Kansas City Chiefs reflects the team’s commitment to smart cap management, even when it means waiting for the right deal.

Another factor in the unresolved extension talks is the Kansas City Chiefs’ focus on the playoffs. With the team in contention for the AFC’s top seed and a Super Bowl title, the front office and coaching staff are reluctant to let contract negotiations become a distraction for players. Mahomes, Kelce, and other veterans have spoken about keeping the team focused on the task at hand, and the Chiefs’ front office has followed suit by slowing down talks during the regular season. Sources say the Chiefs plan to ramp up negotiations after the season ends—whether that’s in January (if they make a deep playoff run) or early February (if they exit early)—when both sides will have more time to focus on details without the pressure of weekly games. This timeline makes sense for the players too: Jones and Smith want to avoid any distraction during the playoffs, as a Super Bowl win would only increase their leverage in talks. The Kansas City Chiefs have also used this approach in the past—extending Kelce and Hill after playoff runs—and it has worked well, as it allows players to focus on football while the front office handles contract logistics. Extension Talks Not Finalized Yet for the Kansas City Chiefs is also a testament to the team’s ability to separate business from on-field performance, as both Jones and Smith have continued to play at an elite level despite the uncertainty.

Looking ahead, the Kansas City Chiefs are confident that they can finalize extension deals with Jones and Smith before the 2026 season begins. The team has a history of retaining key players—they’ve kept Mahomes, Kelce, and Hill in Kansas City despite their high price tags—and both Jones and Smith have expressed a desire to stay. The biggest question is whether the Chiefs can find a way to fit both contracts under the cap without sacrificing depth at other positions, like cornerback or defensive end. If the Chiefs can restructure existing contracts and make strategic cuts (e.g., releasing veteran players with high salaries but declining production), they could free up enough space to sign both Jones and Smith to long-term deals. For fans, the wait may be frustrating, but it’s a necessary part of building a sustained winner. The Kansas City Chiefs have proven time and again that they know how to balance winning now with planning for the future, and there’s no reason to believe this time will be different. Extension Talks Not Finalized Yet for the Kansas City Chiefs is ultimately a story of patience—patience from the team, patience from the players, and patience from fans—all with the goal of keeping the Chiefs in championship contention for years to come. As the playoffs approach, the focus will shift to football, but once the season ends, the business of building the 2026 roster will begin in earnest—and chances are, Jones and Smith will be a big part of that plan.