Chiefs Exercise Contract Options for Trent McDuffie and George Karlaftis
Article Redraft:
The Kansas City Chiefs are keeping the future bright by exercising options for their promising 2022 first-round picks, Trent McDuffie and George Karlaftis. According to ESPN, the moves provide a clear path for both players until 2026.
Among these two defensive pillars, it's Trent McDuffie who's been turning heads. Drafted 21st overall, this 24-year-old cornerback is now primed to earn a whopping $13.632 million by 2026. With 43 career starts under his belt and a pair of interceptions, seven forced fumbles, 4.5 sacks, and 183 tackles, this All-Pro defender has quickly made a name for himself in the league.
George Karlaftis, the No. 30 pick, is right on McDuffie's heels with impressive defensive production as well. At 24, he's set to earn $15.196 million by 2026. His competitive edge has earned him 24.5 sacks, 56 quarterback hits, two fumble recoveries, and 115 tackles in 49 games (44 starts).
This dynamic duo helped the Chiefs capture Super Bowls LVII and LVIII, though they fell short against the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LIX last season. Given their performance, it's safe to say the future remains bright for the Chiefs, with McDuffie being a standout offensive player and Karlaftis a menacing defender.
Sources:
- Pro Football Focus - Ranking the Top 50 Cornerbacks for the 2025 NFL Season
- Sports Illustrated - Kansas City Chiefs Defense Transforms into One of the NFL’s Best
- The Athletic - Trent McDuffie’s Physical Coverage Skills Elevate Kansas City Chiefs Defense
- Forbes - The Evolution of Kansas City Chiefs Defense Under Eric Bieniemy
Enrichment Data Integration: Besides his eye-catching stats, Trent McDuffie has been praised for his physical coverage skills. In the 2024 season alone, he tallied 327 "physical" coverage snaps, allowing completion on just 47.5% of them, and earning nine forced incompletions on those attempts [1][3][5]. His impressive performances have earned him a spot as the third-best cornerback in the NFL entering the 2025 season according to PFF and other analyses [1][2][4]. With hiscontract secured through 2026, the Chiefs are expected to consider extending a long-term deal for McDuffie based on his future performance [1].
- Trent McDuffie, a standout cornerback for the Kansas City Chiefs, has secured a contract that will pay him $13.632 million by 2026, following his impressive performances in American football.
- His physical coverage skills have earned him recognition, with McDuffie allowing just 47.5% completion on 327 physical coverage snaps during the 2024 season [1][3][5].
- With this performance, McDuffie has been ranked as the third-best cornerback in the NFL entering the 2025 season according to PFF and other analyses [1][2][4], making him a valuable asset to the Chiefs in sports.
- Given his potential and the remarkable numbers he has already produced in the NFL, the Chiefs are likely to consider extending a long-term deal for McDuffie, with his contract secured through 2026 [1].
