The Kansas City Chiefs cut a couple of big checks Tuesday to two of the franchise’s emerging defensive superstars.
According to a report from ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the Chiefs have exercised the fifth-year options on both cornerback Trent McDuffie and edge rusher George Karlaftis, two emerging stars and valuable players on coordinator Steve Spagnuolo’s defense.
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
Karlaftis’ option is slated to cost $15.2 million, while McDuffie’s will count $13.62 million against the cap during the 2026 season.
Kansas City Chiefs Committing to George Karlaftis and Trent McDuffie
Karlaftis has developed into a consistently disruptive presence off the edge for the Chiefs’ defense, posting 24.5 sacks through his first three seasons, and is fresh off a six-sack 2024 campaign.
Meanwhile, McDuffie has two career interceptions but finished last season holding opposing quarterbacks to an 87.8 passer rating when throwing his direction last season.
Karlaftis and McDuffie are quickly becoming cornerstone players for the Chiefs, and Kansas City now gets an additional year of team control before needing to commit top-of-market money to them leading into the 2027 season.
For More Football News:
Follow Matt Lombardo on Threads at @MattLombardoNFL. To read more of our articles and in-depth NFL coverage, click here.
