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Chiefs Lock in McDuffie and Karlaftis with Fifth-Year Options

Kansas City secures two defensive cornerstones through 2026, guaranteeing over $28 million in salaries.

Nov 4, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs defensive end George Karlaftis (56) celebrates after making a sack against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images/File Photo
Feb 9, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown (11) is tackled by Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Trent McDuffie (22) in the fourth quarter in Super Bowl LIX at Ceasars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images/File Photo
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Overview

  • The Kansas City Chiefs officially exercised fifth-year options for cornerback Trent McDuffie and defensive end George Karlaftis ahead of the April 30 league deadline.
  • Both players, first-round picks in 2022, are now under contract through the 2026 season with fully guaranteed salaries of $13.632 million for McDuffie and $15.196 million for Karlaftis.
  • McDuffie, a two-time All-Pro, and Karlaftis, with 24.5 regular-season sacks, have been key contributors to a defense that helped the Chiefs reach three consecutive Super Bowls.
  • This marks the first time the Chiefs have exercised fifth-year options since doing so for Patrick Mahomes, reflecting General Manager Brett Veach’s strategic roster planning.
  • The move positions the team to negotiate long-term extensions with both players, potentially easing future salary cap impacts.