Trent McDuffie and George Karlaftis are targets for Chiefs extensions. One or both could be worked out as early as this offseason, but in any case their futures for the next two years are clear. 
Kansas City will exercise the fifth-year option in both of these cases, as first reported by ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler. For McDuffie, that sets him up to receive $17.6MM in 2026. Karlaftis will be in line to earn $15.12MM that season. Of course, long-term accords could very well be hand before that campaign begins anyway.
[RELATED: Fifth-Year Option Tracker]
The Chiefs appeared at one point to be on track to lose guard Trey Smith in free agency, but using the franchise tag prevented such a development. Tagging the Pro Bowler ensures he will remain in Kansas City for at least 2025, but general manager Brett Veach recently said a Smith extension will be the team’s top post-draft priority. To no surprise, McDuffie and Karlaftis are in the team’s plans as well.
McDuffie has operated as a full-time starter during his time with the Chiefs. The Washington product does not have a Pro Bowl nod on his resume despite the fact he earned first-team All-Pro honors in 2023 and a spot on the second All-Pro team last year. McDuffie has only managed two interceptions to date in his career, but his strong coverage performances and 13 pass deflections from last year showcase his value to the team.
The cornerback market jumped to $30MM this offseason thanks to Derek Stingley Jr.‘s Texans extension. Seven cover men are now attached to a pact averaging at least $20.1MM annually, and McDuffie will no doubt aim to join that group on his second contract. Team and player will have plenty of time to work out a deal with the option being picked up.
Karlaftis, 24, has seen his workload increase with each passing season. After posting 10.5 sacks in 2023, that figure fell slightly to eight last season. The Purdue alum increased his pressure totals (from 35 to 37), though, and continued development can be expected for several more years. Providing Kansas City with a consistent presence off the edge will be key for the team as defensive tackle Chris Jones moves toward the latter stages of his career.
Myles Garrett‘s trade request was rescinded when he and the Browns worked out an extension averaging $40MM per season. That represents the top of the market at this point, but the likes of Micah Parsons (Cowboys), Aidan Hutchinson (Lions), T.J. Watt (Steelers) and Trey Hendrickson (Bengals) are all in position to ink monster new pacts of their own. That could drive up the asking price on a new Karlaftis pact once negotiations begin on that front.
The Chiefs have reached the Super Bowl every year since adding the McDuffie-Karlaftis tandem to the mix, winning the title game twice. Both members of that pairing will be counted to remain impactful starters moving forward during a stretch which will last through the 2026 campaign at a minimum.