Chiefs Exercise Fifth-Year Options for McDuffie, Karlaftis

The Kansas City Chiefs have exercised the fifth-year options on cornerback Trent McDuffie and defensive end George Karlaftis, ensuring both remain under contract through the 2026 season. Both players, first-round picks in 2022, have quickly become key contributors to Kansas City's defense, with McDuffie earning First-team All-Pro honors in 2023 and Second-team All-Pro in 2024, and Karlaftis leading the team in sacks in both 2023 and 2024. McDuffie has started 43 regular-season games, recorded eight forced fumbles, 4.5 sacks, and two interceptions, while Karlaftis has accumulated 24.5 regular-season sacks and eight in the playoffs. The options are valued at about $13.6 million for McDuffie and nearly $15.2 million for Karlaftis. Chiefs management stated their intent to keep both players long-term, highlighting their importance to the team's recent playoff successes. Both players are expected to continue playing significant roles as Kansas City looks to maintain its defensive strength.