Chiefs Make Contract Decisions On 2 Key Defensive Players

The Kansas City Chiefs have exercised the options for cornerback Trent McDuffie and defensive end George Karlaftis. These were anticipated moves by the team and ensures that both players will be under contract for the 2026 season.

According to CBS Sports contributor Joel Curry, the deals are "considered bargains" in correlation with the value of players at their skill level. According to spotrac.com, McDuffie's option will pay $13.632 million, while Karlaftis' will cost the Chiefs $15.196 million for the 2026 season. 

Both players have been a part of the Chiefs last three Super Bowl runs and have two championship rings as a result. They would have had a third, but the Chiefs lost Super Bowl 59 to the Philadelphia Eagles 40-22 back in February.

McDuffie, the 21st pick overall in the 2022 NFL Draft out of Washington, plays both the perimeter and the slot. He has evolved into one of the premier defensive backs in the league. McDuffie is a two-time All-Pro, although after making the First Team in 2023, he had to settle for Second Team honors in 2024.

Once McDuffie is in line for an extension, the Chiefs will more than likely make him one of the highest paid cornerbacks in NFL history. 

Karlaftis is an edge rusher who compliments stud defensive tackle Chris Jones very well. He has a total of 24.5 career sacks and finished with at least six in each of his first three seasons in the league. He also amassed 24 tackles for loss and has registered 56 quarterback hits. He was a first round draft choice, 30th overall, out of Purdue in 2022.

Across the league, teams have until May 1 to exercise fifth-year option decisions.