Chiefs reward Trey Smith and now Trent McDuffie’s extension is a ticking clock

On Tuesday, the Kansas City Chiefs did something that was seemingly inevitable: they signed Trey Smith to a long-term extension. After franchise tagging the veteran guard early in the offseason, Kansas City finally made him the highest-paid guard in the NFL, signing him to a four-year deal worth $94 million, with $70 million guaranteed. Now, Smith and the Chiefs can enter training camp on good terms.

Kansas City may be ready to breathe a sigh of relief, and it can, because Smith isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. However, the work isn’t done for the Chiefs. With a roster that’s filled with talent, there will always be someone else to pay, and the person that’s next up in line is Trey McDuffie. Following Smith’s extension, all eyes will turn to the veteran defensive back’s contract.

Chiefs must now focus on extending Trent McDuffie

McDuffie was a first-round pick in 2022, so he has a fifth-year option that the team already picked up. That means he has two years left on his rookie deal, and he isn’t set to be a free agent until 2027. However, he is eligible for an extension, and it would make sense for the team to get a deal done sooner rather than later.

Since entering the league, McDuffie has been an impact player for the Chiefs, starting 11 games as a rookie. He has started all 43 games he’s played in Kansas City, recording 183 tackles, 10 for a loss, 4.5 sacks, seven forced fumbles, two interceptions, and 27 pass deflections. His versatility has made him one of the best defensive backs in the league, and he’s played a big role in the Chiefs’ success.

Most recently, McDuffie was honored by his peers on the NFL's Top 100 list for the 2025 season with a ranking at No. 81.

Understanding his role in the team’s success, Kansas City would be wise to keep him around long term. The Chiefs would also be wise to extend him sooner rather than later, because every new deal for other defensive backs throughout the league will only make McDuffie’s eventual extension more expensive.