The Kansas City Chiefs have done a spectacular job of finding true game-changing talent in recent years in the NFL Draft. 2022 was a particularly special year, as general manager Brett Veach essentially rebuilt the entire defense in a few days, finding seven players who are still contributing on that end on top of running back Isiah Pacheco.
In that first round, the Chiefs landed All-Pro cornerback Trent McDuffie and rising star defensive end George Karlaftis. Both guys are foundational pieces for Steve Spagnuolo, and there’s a general expectation that each guy will help lead the new era of Kansas City football as Chris Jones ages.
There was some concern about their respective futures because the Chiefs hadn’t yet picked up their fifth-year options on their rookie contracts, though Kansas City has now officially made a decision.
Sources: The #Chiefs plan to pick up the fifth-year options of corner Trent McDuffie and pass rusher George Karlaftis. Team submitting them today.
Two team pillars now in the fold for 2026.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) April 29, 2025
Chiefs Exercise Fifth-Year Options on Trent McDuffie and George Karlaftis
According to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN, the Chiefs are submitting requests on Tuesday to exercise the fifth-year options for both McDuffie and Karlaftis. This’ll keep each player on the team through 2026, and it’s likely that extension talks will begin now.
McDuffie figures to become perhaps the league’s top-paid cornerback once he gets his extension, and the Houston Texans’ deal with Derek Stingley Jr. at three years, $90 million, represents a good starting point. Karlaftis is a bit less clear-cut, as he could command north of $100 million given his position, causing some trade speculation to swirl.
This defense is significantly better when these two players are on the field. McDuffie is a two-time All-Pro in three seasons, while Karlaftis is already second all-time in sacks in Chiefs playoff history with eight. Frank Clark has the lead with 10.5, so Karlaftis, who got four in last year’s postseason, could theoretically take over the organization’s record as soon as this year.
That’s not the kind of guy you let walk. Based on the nature of the salary cap and how it rises every year, McDuffie and Karlaftis could command even bigger salaries once it’s all said and done. Here’s hoping that if the Chiefs do intend to extend these players that they get the contracts hammered out sooner than later.
In the meantime, both stars will remain on the roster for at least two more seasons barring a trade.
