Despite falling short in Super Bowl LIX, losing to the Philadelphia Eagles, it was a successful season for the Kansas City Chiefs, going 15-2 and winning the AFC West for the 10th straight season.
One of the biggest contributors to that success was the defense, which ended the year ranked fourth in points per game allowed (19.2) and ninth in total yards per game allowed (320.6).
With the 2025 season continuing to approach, the Chiefs look to improve on those numbers in future years and have made several big signings, including cornerback Kristian Fulton (two years, $20 million) and defensive tackle Jerry Tillery ( one-year, $1.79 million).
However, one of the most important decisions they've made is exercising the fifth-year options of cornerback Trent McDuffie and defensive end George Karlaftis, keeping them under contract through the 2026 season.
McDuffie, a one-time First-team All-Pro, is coming off an impressive season in 2024, being targeted 90 times, allowing 54 receptions, 545 yards, four touchdowns and an 82.9 passer rating, while also bringing in two interceptions.
McDuffie, a one-time First-team All-Pro, is coming off an impressive season in 2024, being targeted 90 times, allowing 54 receptions, 545 yards, four touchdowns and an 82.9 passer rating, while also bringing in two interceptions.
With his fifth-year option, he is set to make $13.6 million in 2026 with the Chiefs, and will be in line for a huge extension with Spotrac predicting his market value will earn him a three-year $73 million contract.
There's no doubt that their decision on Karlaftis is also major, as his fifth-year option will earn him $15.1 million in 2026, with Spotrac predicting his contract will be worth $66.4 million over three years.
He, too, is coming off a very productive season for the Chiefs, appearing in 16 games, accumulating 35 tackles, eight sacks, nine tackles for loss, 28 quarterback hits, 37 pressures and five pass deflections.
