Former Vols standout Trey Smith's contract situation with the Chiefs just got murkier after latest NFL news

Former Tennessee Vols offensive lineman Trey Smith was hoping to receive a new contract with the Kansas City Chiefs before the start of the 2024 season.

But it doesn't look like that's going to happen.

Smith, a sixth round selection by the Chiefs in the 2021 NFL Draft, will likely play the 2024 season on the final year of his rookie contract after Kansas City gave tight end Noah Gray a three year contract extension on Thursday (just hours before the Chiefs kick off the season against the Baltimore Ravens).

Earlier this offseason center Creed Humphrey was extended by the Chiefs.

Kansas City wants to keep Smith beyond the 2024 season, but the former Vol could get paid like a top guard if he reaches free agency. That's especially important for Smith after playing on a team friendly contract for the first three seasons of his career.

"Yeah, we've been, like I said, we've been in conversations with Trey, and we still have some time here," explained Chiefs GM Brett Veach last month. "We'll get a chance to talk to both Trey's people and (linebacker) Nick (Bolton)'s people. And it is a little tricky. When you get in the off-season, it's hard to kind of work on four deals all at the same time, not knowing where they're going to end and not knowing where the money is going to be allocated."

The fact that Gray received an extension before Smith seems to signal that it's unlikely that the Chiefs will get a deal done with the former Tennessee standout before the start of the season.

It's still possible that Smith could land a longterm deal with the Chiefs next offseason (the franchise tag is an option, but it seems unlikely since the tag for offensive linemen will be $20 million or more).

Smith's value, however, could increase after the 2024 season -- which will make it even tougher for Kansas City to pay the former sixth round pick his market value.

In other words, the 2024 season could be Smith's last dance in KC.

Related: Former Oklahoma HC Bob Stoops gives Tennessee Vols HC Josh Heupel a massive compliment