Patrick Mahomes is the face of the three-peat chasing Kansas City Chiefs.

Win or lose in the postseason, it is the superstar quarterback that everybody will be talking about.

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The Chiefs have become masters of getting the best of a rotating crew of wide receivers to avoid shelling out for a superstar like Tyreek Hill.

It means head coach Andy Reid and general manager Brett Veach can invest elsewhere, including $160million defensive tackle Chris Jones.

But cap space is at a premium next season and right guard Trey Smith could end up being a casualty in a massive blow to the unit that lets Mahomes work his magic.

A sixth-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, Smith is on a bargain rookie deal that expires at the end of the season.

Respected NFL Network analyst Brian Baldinger claimed the offensive lineman is the best guard in the NFL in December.

And that could prove a huge issue for Reid and Veach as the market has exploded for the premium position.

The Carolina Panthers handed Robert Hunt a five-year deal worth $100million in March, with teams increasingly keen to protect quarterbacks on the interior as well as investing at tackle.

Philadelphia Eagles star Landon Dickerson is the highest-paid guard in the NFL on $21.5million per year and Smith is expected to “reset the market,” per ESPN’s Matt Bowen.

The Chiefs are currently projected to have just over $21million in cap space for 2025 via Spotrac with other areas to address in free agency.

Smith will be 26 at the start of next season and is entering his prime years with an already stellar resume.

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Smith (No. 65) is one of the men tasked with keeping Mahomes safe[/caption]

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The giant guard is a force in the run game[/caption]

The two-time Super Bowl champion ranks fifth among guards with over 200 snaps in run-block rate and has been producing highlight-reel pancakes.

He is also adept in pass protection thanks to his quick feet and 6-foot-6, 321 pound frame.

Left tackle has been an issue for the Chiefs this season, with Reid bringing in veteran D.J. Humphries to try and plug the gap.

But center Creed Humphrey, All-Pro left guard Joe Thuney and Smith are a formidable trio in the middle of the line.

“Our team culture is so unique, Coach Reid; every time we break it down Saturday before our games in the hotel, he always says, ‘Hey, don’t forget, let your personalities show.’ They let us be ourselves in that building.” Smith told the Everything Orange podcast in October.

“I think that’s so important. We’re having fun out there. Obviously, we’re grown men who are trying to get a job done.

“But at the end of the day, we know we’re having fun beating up people. We’re going to have fun doing it every single time. It’s really special.”

Reid and Veach could restructure contracts to try and keep one of the strengths of their roster together, but are also going to need to pay a backup QB.

Carson Wentz is starting in place of Mahomes in Week 18 with the No. 1 seed already sewn up.

And Reid doesn’t think the talented signal-caller will be back next season.

“I’m one of his biggest fans,” he said. “I liked him coming. I liked what he did before he was banged up there in Philly.

“And I liked what I saw last year from him for sure with his start with the Rams. And I like what I’ve seen here. I’m glad I have had the opportunity to see him here. 

“I’d selfishly like to keep him, but I don’t think that’s going to be possible.

“He should be starting in the league somewhere. That’s what he should be doing.

“His ability and the way he goes about his business, he is so structured and disciplined. His study habits and work, all those things are just top notch.”

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talkSPORT will bring you live coverage across Week 18 with a double header featuring the Cincinnati Bengals @ Pittsburgh Steelers and the Minnesota Vikings @ Detroit Lions.