Chiefs exercise fifth-year options on Trent McDuffie, George Karlaftis
Pair of 2022 first-round picks in the fold through 2026 season
With the draft officially in the rearview mirror, Chiefs general manager Brett Veach on Tuesday took care of the business of football.
The Chiefs exercised fifth-year options on 2022 first-round picks cornerback Trent McDuffie and defensive end George Karlaftis, a source familiar with the situation told KC Sports Network.
The moves ensure McDuffie and Karlaftis, both of whom were set to enter the final year of their respective rookie contracts, will be with the Chiefs through the 2026 season.
Keeping McDuffie and Karlaftis in the fold another year more than makes sense, of course.
The two have become key contributors to one of the NFL’s top defensive units and have made their share of impact plays throughout the Chiefs’ Super Bowl runs.
McDuffie, the 21st overall pick in the 2022 draft, has emerged as one of the league’s top cornerbacks, garnering first-team All-Pro honors in 2023. He followed up with a second-team All-Pro selection in 2024.
Karlaftis, the 30th overall pick in the 2022 draft, has become a mainstay on the defensive line. He’s totaled 24.5 total sacks and 56 quarterback hits over the past three regular seasons.
With the exercising of the fifth-year options, McDuffie will draw a one-year guaranteed contract worth $13.6 million in 2026, while Karlaftis will garner $15.1 million.