Kansas City Chiefs officially make important decisions regarding the futures of two former first-round draft picks
The Kansas City Chiefs had until May 1 to pick up the fifth-year options for their two first-round draft picks in the 2022 NFL Draft. According to a report from ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, they will officially have done that by the end of business today. The Chiefs are picking up fifth-year options for CB Trent […]
The Kansas City Chiefs had until May 1 to pick up the fifth-year options for their two first-round draft picks in the 2022 NFL Draft.
According to a report from ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, they will officially have done that by the end of business today.
The Chiefs are picking up fifth-year options for CB Trent McDuffie and DE George Karlaftis, locking both players in and ensuring they'll remain with the team through the 2026 NFL season.
McDuffie, the No. 21 overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft out of the University of Washington, has become a First-Team All-Pro and two-time Super Bowl champion in Kansas City. Karlaftis, the No. 30 overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft out of Purdue, has become a two-time Super Bowl champ with the Chiefs and has the second-most sacks on defense over the past three seasons, only behind Chris Jones.
Both players have become a big part of Kansas City's defensive identity, improving each consecutive year with the team. It makes sense to bring each of them back on fifth-year options, especially when you consider the cost. . .
How much will the fifth-year option cost for Trent McDuffie and George Karlaftis?
The fifth-year option entails a one-year fully guaranteed deal with four salary levels for each specific position group. Since McDuffie and Karlaftis have never reached a Pro Bowl, they'll be at the second salary level, which gives a bump for playtime. McDuffie will cost $13.632 million, and Karlaftis will cost $15.196 million.
Can the Chiefs still extend each player?
Yes, the Chiefs can still sign McDuffie and Karlaftis to long-term contract extensions ahead of the 2025 NFL season or before the 2026 NFL season. For McDuffie, this might actually make it easier to agree to a long-term contract extension.
Texans CB Derek Stingley, who was selected No. 3 overall in the 2022 NFL Draft, saw his fifth-year option number absorbed into a long-term deal this offseason. Kansas City will likely mimic that in its long-term contract structure with McDuffie.
As for Karlaftis, a long-term deal might prove more challenging. None of the edge rushers from the 2022 NFL Draft class have signed extensions this offseason. Consider where the edge rusher market has gone this offseason (thanks, Myles Garrett); this might be one Kansas City opts to wait on.