Kansas City Chiefs star makes the top 25 in the NFL’s Performance-Based Pay Distribution system

The Kansas City Chiefs have been reaping the rewards since their successive Super Bowl victory in February.

Many of the Chiefs will have triggered lucrative bonuses in their contracts with their playoff success.

But one player is nailed on to receive another bonus directly from the NFL.

Chiefs star benefits from bonus scheme

The NFL has a financial pot of $393.8 million in the NFL’s performance-based pay system.

Moreover, this bonus scheme is a ‘collectively bargained benefit that compensates all players based upon their playing time and salary levels’.

This scheme has paid out close to $2.4 billion since its establishment in 2002, per Tom Pelissero.

One of the Chiefs’ offensive linemen has been rewarded for his efforts and received a generous payout from the system.

On Monday, it was confirmed Trey Smith was one of the top 25 earners from the bonus incentive.

The 24-year-old earned $865,484, making him the seventh biggest pay receiver on the list.

Smith has been the Chiefs starter for the past three seasons at guard and played all 17 games in 2023.

According to Pro Football Reference, Smith played 96% of all the Chiefs snaps last season.

The year before he also managed to participate in 96% but in his rookie year, he played every single snap available.

Kansas City would be foolish to lose one of their key offensive stars, as he only has one year remaining on his rookie deal.

Brett Veach and the front office could offer the guard a new deal in the 2024 offseason, otherwise, he hits free agency.

One thing is for sure, Smith has earned the right to be paid handsomely.

To only miss a handful of snaps throughout three seasons will add further value to his signature.

Chiefs know they have a star on their hands whose future will need to be decided soon, or he could turn to free agency.