Kansas City Chiefs Lock Up Trent McDuffie, George Karlaftis With Fifth-Year Options
The Kansas City Chiefs made two important roster decisions ahead of the deadline. With the May 1 cutoff approaching, the franchise acted swiftly and decisively. Two former first-round picks from the 2022 NFL Draft are returning. Trent McDuffie and George Karlaftis will remain in Kansas City through 2026.
Kansas City Chiefs Stays Committed To Young Core
By picking up both fifth-year options, the Chiefs maintain roster continuity. This gives Kansas City more time to evaluate and potentially extend both players. McDuffie, a former No. 21 pick, has blossomed into a star. His All-Pro recognition and playoff performances have strengthened the unit.
Karlaftis selected No. 30 overall, has consistently produced from the edge. He’s racked up the second-most sacks on the team behind Chris Jones. Both defenders have been instrumental in two Super Bowl championship runs. Their growth has made them vital to the team’s defensive foundation.
Team-Friendly Options Give Chiefs Future Flexibility
The fifth-year option cost for McDuffie totals $13.632 million fully guaranteed. For Karlaftis, the figure rises to $15.196 million under league guidelines. Neither player has made a Pro Bowl, which affects their salary structure. Their playtime, however, placed them in Tier 2 of the pay scale. Despite the cost, the Chiefs are making sound financial decisions here.
These moves delay larger extensions while retaining roster flexibility moving forward. With the edge rusher market rising, Karlaftis’ value could skyrocket soon. Kansas City may choose to wait before exploring a long-term agreement.
Final Thoughts
These fifth-year options buy Kansas City more time with foundational talent. McDuffie and Karlaftis are entering their primes with room for improvement. A long-term deal for McDuffie might arrive sooner than expected.
Kansas City could mimic Houston’s recent contract structure for Derek Stingley. Karlaftis’ path is less certain given the evolving pass rusher market. However, locking him in through 2026 gives the team critical flexibility. The Chiefs continue to build wisely around a proven defensive nucleus.
