NFL Rumors: Steelers' Pat Freiermuth, Chiefs' Trey Smith, More Eyed for New Contracts

Teams around the NFL may not be done handing out extensions ahead of the 2024 regular season, according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler.

Fowler reported Thursday that "front offices feel the urgency to extend key players' contracts before Week 1 kicks off." Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth, Kansas City Chiefs offensive guard Trey Smith, Atlanta Falcons edge-rusher Matthew Judon and Tennessee Titans linebacker Ernest Jones IV were among the candidates who could get new deals before too long.

The season kicks off Thursday night with the Chiefs hosting the Baltimore Ravens, with the Green Bay Packers vs. Philadelphia Eagles to follow Friday in Brazil. The rest of the league will be in action Sunday.

That leaves a few more days for general managers to resolve any outstanding business before players will be focused largely on what's transpiring on the field.

Fowler cited Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase and Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott as stars who have been the subject of steady rumors.

Chase has been "holding in" despite being under contract through 2025, with his status for Week 1 an ongoing storyline. Prescott is headed for free agency, so he could parlay a strong season into a massive payday next spring.

In either case, fans of their respective teams would rejoice if their contract dilemmas are resolved over the next few days or weeks.

Among the other players Fowler mentioned, Smith might be the most intriguing given the wider implications.

Chiefs GM Brett Veach has done an excellent job of navigating around the salary cap with quarterback Patrick Mahomes accounting for $45 million annually. Defensive tackle Chris Jones and center Creed Humphrey both reset the market at their positions. Tight end Travis Kelce also extended his deal for an additional season.

Unlike Humphrey, Smith probably wouldn't become the highest-paid offensive guard if he were to agree to a multiyear pact now. It would be a sign of how highly he's valued by the Chiefs, though, since they have to be relatively judicious about their long-term spending.