Trey Smith was informed he will be franchise-tagged by the Chiefs, according to multiple reports, in a move that will make him the NFL's highest-paid guard while blocking a path to free agency. NFL teams have until Monday to use the franchise and transition tag designations to retain players scheduled to become free agents next month.

The Kansas City Chiefs don't plan on allowing pending free agent right guard Trey Smith from testing the open market this offseason. CBS Sports NFL insider Jonathan Jones reports the three-time defending AFC champions plan to use the franchise tag on their Pro Bowl guard,

Similar to last year with pass rusher Chris Jones, GM Brett Veach acknowledged that re-signing Smith, 25, is the team’s top priority.