Similar to last year with pass rusher Chris Jones, GM Brett Veach acknowledged that re-signing Smith, 25, is the team’s top priority.

It sure seems like the Vikings are ready to begin the J.J. McCarthy era after he missed his rookie season due to meniscus surgery. They’re also slated to lose both their starting right guard, Dalton Risner, and starting center, Dan Feeney, who are unrestricted free agents.

Smith, 25, is the best offensive lineman without a contract for 2025, something the Kansas City Chiefs are hoping to do something about. On Tuesday at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, Chiefs general manager Brett Veach was asked about how high a priority Smith was for the three-time defending AFC champions. Veach didn’t mince words.