There are eight games in the books — with nine more to go. The Kansas City Chiefs’ 2026 season reaches its midpoint in Week 10. Because the team’s bye came so early in Week 5, we have decided to move our annual awards to midseason.
Nine members of the Arrowhead Pride writing staff each had one vote for our seven midseason awards, so nine votes will be tallied for each award.
So far, we’ve awarded:
Most Improved Player: DB Chris Roland-Wallace
Top Defensive Rookie: CB Mansoor Delane
In this post, we’ll
reveal our top offensive lineman so far.
RG Trey Smith
VOTING: Trey Smith (5), Kahlil Benson (2), Creed Humphrey (2)
The NFL now gives out the “Protector of the Year” award, so we will too. Right guard Trey Smith is the winner at the midseason point, playing 506 of 510 possible snaps and starting in all eight games.
The Chiefs’ run game has been revitalized this year, and Smith has been a key factor in the push up front. Kansas City ranks 10th in ESPN’s run-block win rate (74%), despite two games in which starting left guard Kingsley Suamataia was benched.
The Chiefs rank 12th in pass-block win rate as a unit, and Smith does not grade as highly in pass blocking as Humphrey or Suamataia, according to ESPN, but Smith has allowed just seven pressures (two quarterback hits and five hurries) over 307 pass-blocking snaps; Suamataia has allowed seven pressures (one sack, three hits and three pressures) in just 221 pass-blocking snaps, according to Pro Football Focus.
The intensity Smith brings is the cherry on top of his reliable presence on the line. He isn’t a perfect blocker, but he’s been Kansas City’s most consistent offensive lineman in a season where the unit’s depth is already being tested.
Center Creed Humphrey’s low snaps likely hurt his chances at winning the poll, but rookie left tackle Kahlil Benson deserved some love; he has played every snap possible at left tackle this season.
Is Smith the Chiefs’ top offensive lineman so far this year? Let us know in the comments.
