From Henry Matthews (@henrymHuss26H):
Henry, I think it’s going to be a challenge to keep either guy and, to be clear, that’s not due to any lack of love either one has from the people running the show. The trouble is that it’s going to be tough to keep either guy off the market, since Smith’s franchise tag figure will be based on what the top tackles make, and Bolton’s tag number will be based on what high-end edge rushers make (which is why off-ball linebackers and interior offensive linemen routinely make it to the market); and the Chiefs have a lot of mouths to feed.
Trent McDuffie and George Karlaftis will be eligible for new contracts for the first time. Joe Thuney, Jawaan Taylor and Creed Humphrey have top-end deals already, which means fitting a fourth lineman into that equation could be challenging (though it wouldn't be a stunner if Taylor wound up leaving). Justin Reid and Marquise “Hollywood” Brown are among the other guys up for new contracts. And as it stands, without adding anyone, they’re already close to the cap.
You can, of course, move money around and make things work. But it seems like it might be a lot to keep both of those guys, who, again, are important pieces for the Chiefs.
