The Chiefs exercise contract extensions for primary defensive players.
The Chiefs Hold On to Talent: Trent McDuffie and George Karlaftis
The 2025 NFL Draft saw the Kansas City Chiefs bolster their roster with some impressive new additions. With these fresh faces on board, the team is poised to deliver a compelling showing during the upcoming season. Part of the Chiefs' strategy involves retaining a couple of their young stars even beyond their rookie contracts.
According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the Chiefs are workout to pick up the fifth-year options for both cornerback Trent McDuffie and edge rusher George Karlaftis. This move ensures that both players will be under contract with the Chiefs through the 2026 NFL season.
McDuffie and Karlaftis have both established themselves as crucial elements of Defensive Coordinator Steve Spagnuolo's innovative defensive scheme.
Karlaftis has made an immediate impact as a versatile edge rusher, excelling on all three downs. His impact is most noticeable as a pass rusher, where he boasts an impressive 24.5 sacks over three seasons. He serves as the perfect counterpart to fellow defensive tackle Chris Jones, particularly on passing downs.
On the other hand, McDuffie is a versatile cornerback who primarily played on the outside in the 2024 season. However, he possesses the adaptability to be deployed in multiple positions across the secondary. Pundits often remark that he carries the potential to become a future CB1.
It would come as no surprise if the Chiefs were to extend either, or even both, of these promising players in the near future.
Trent McDuffie: A Long-Term Fit for the Chiefs?
Ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft, Trent McDuffie expressed his eagerness to continue his career with the Chiefs beyond his current contract. In an interview with team reporters, McDuffie stated, "I love the city, I love the coaches, love my teammates. I would love to be back with the team... If it’s a long-term deal, I’d be ecstatic."
McDuffie's performance and achievements justify his aspiration for a long-term deal. The 24-year-old cornerback has established himself as one of the NFL’s top defensive backs, excelling in coverages and run defense. He has been recognized as an All-Pro twice, earning first-team honors in 2023 and second-team honors in 2024. Over the course of his career, McDuffie has amassed eight forced fumbles, 4.5 sacks, and two interceptions, across 43 regular-season games and 10 playoff games.
With the recent exercise of the fifth-year option on McDuffie’s contract, the Chiefs have demonstrated their commitment to retaining the talented cornerback for the 2026 season. Long-term contract negotiations are anticipated to position McDuffie among the highest-paid cornerbacks in the league.
As the Chiefs prepare for the 2025 season, fans and analysts alike will be keeping a close eye on McDuffie’s performance to gauge his value and potential for a future extension.
- The upcoming 2025 NFL season promises to be exciting for the Kansas City Chiefs, as they have retained key players like Trent McDuffie and George Karlaftis beyond their rookie contracts.
- Trent McDuffie, a talented cornerback, expressed his enthusiasm for a long-term deal with the Chiefs, citing his love for the city and the team.
- McDuffie's impressive career statistics, which include two All-Pro awards and eight forced fumbles, support his aspiration for a long-term deal with the Chiefs.
- If negotiations are successful, McDuffie could find himself among the highest-paid cornerbacks in the NFL.
- In the future, it is plausible that the Chiefs will extend Trent McDuffie's contract, which they recently exercised the fifth-year option on, securing his services for the 2026 season.
