The Kansas City Chiefs are rapidly approaching the franchise tag deadline for Trey Smith, currently sitting with $10.9 million in cap space. They must assess their salary cap situation, especially with a few new contracts likely to come into play. Without addressing Smith's contract soon, the Chiefs risk entering the season with insufficient cap room for improvements.

Additionally, the negotiations around Smith's contract should provide insights into the current market for top NFL guards as the Chiefs prepare for training camp. The next few weeks are crucial for Kansas City as they look to secure their roster for the upcoming season.

Nick Bolton has secured a significant contract as one of the highest-paid linebackers in the NFL, but he faces immense pressure to justify the investment. At 25 years old, Bolton is expected to step up as a leader on the Chiefs' defense, especially after losing veteran voices like Justin Reid. The Chiefs' decision to prioritize his contract over others indicates their belief in his vital role within the defense. However, concerns remain about his coverage abilities; while Bolton excels in downhill plays, he has struggled in man coverage, which could be a liability moving forward.

Furthermore, the Chiefs are focused on building a cohesive linebacker unit, energized by the potential contributions of players like Drew Tranquil and Leo Chenal. With Bolton leading the charge, the expectation is that he can maintain his physicality and instincts well into the contract's duration, allowing him to remain a cornerstone of Kansas City's defense.

The NFL Daily's Top 25 Players of the Last 25 Years series kicks off with a discussion featuring Mina Kimes. The hosts emphasize the criteria for selection, which includes sustained greatness over a period of 3 to 5 years, with longevity serving as a tiebreaker. This episode focuses on players ranked 25 through 21, igniting debates on their merits and comparing them to contemporaries.

They set the stage for future episodes by explaining the subjective nature of rankings and the challenges in determining the greatest players of this period. The conversation touches on notable omissions, including Larry Fitzgerald, and what makes each player's peak remarkable. As the episode progresses, the ranking begins with Travis Kelce, highlighting his significant impact in the league.

Rashee Rice is positioned to become a key player for the Kansas City Chiefs, expected to lead the team in receptions, yardage, and first downs in the upcoming season. Entering his second year, Rice's performance is anticipated to improve following a challenging rookie season marred by injury. His role in the offense is expected to expand significantly, especially following the team's need to transition from relying heavily on tight ends like Travis Kelce.

Analysts believe that Rice possesses the talent to potentially earn a Pro Bowl selection. The Chiefs' offense has historically revolved around tight ends, but there is a clear indication that this strategy may evolve, allowing more opportunities for Rice to showcase his skills. With injury concerns in their wide receiver core from the previous season, the team's depth and versatility will be tested as they aim for a top-performing offense in 2025.