Chiefs receive a harsh reality check on Trent McDuffie's future contract extension

If the Kansas City Chiefs were wondering where the price tag might reach on a potential contract extension for cornerback Trent McDuffie, the team has their answer—at least in part—after the Carolina Panthers rewarded Jaycee Horn with a lucrative new deal before the start of NFL free agency.

NFL reporter Ian Rapoport broke the news on Monday that Horn would become the league's highest-paid corner with a rich new deal worth up to $100 million over four seasons, giving him an average annual value of $25 million.

Horn was the eighth overall selection in the 2021 NFL Draft by the Panthers and made his first Pro Bowl in 2024 in a breakout effort in Dave Canales's first year on the job. Horn had 68 total tackles and 13 pass deflections for the Panthers. He also had his first career sack in '24 when he brought down Patrick Mahomes in a loss to the Chiefs.

While Horn's new contract reset the market at the position, the truth is that his status there won't last long. Horn got a rich deal despite landing on injured reserve in two of his four professional seasons, and even last year, he missed two games at season's end due to a hip injury. It's a bit surprising the Panthers had to go so high, but it only serves to illustrate how much more a player like McDuffie will earn.

There's no way around it. McDuffie is going to cost the Chiefs a pretty penny.

Speaking of McDuffie, the Chiefs have already stated that they desire a long-term commitment from the talented young corner. McDuffie is in the fourth season of his initial rookie deal, but the Chiefs can extend that by exercising his fifth-year option—a move available for franchises with first-round selections under the present collective bargaining agreement. The Chiefs have until May 1 to exercise that option.

McDuffie would come at a higher price tag than Horn, not only because his contract would come later but also because his body of work is already more impressive despite being in the league for a shorter amount of time. McDuffie has not only been to three Super Bowls (with two wins), but he's proven to be far more reliable and has been named first-team and second-team All-Pro in each of the last two seasons.

General manager Brett Veach has stated that the likely timeline for any long-term extensions for players already under contract through 2025 would likely come following the draft. The Chiefs have a history of getting things done in that window when the business of the NFL has died down considerably. Somewhere before training camp, expect McDuffie to take that title from Horn—if he still has it.