The Kansas City Chiefs have not reached a new contract agreement with key defensive player Trent McDuffie, who is set to earn a base salary of $2.6 million this season. Despite ongoing discussions over the past six weeks, no deal has materialized ahead of the team’s season opener against the Los Angeles Chargers in São Paulo, Brazil, on Friday.
McDuffie, entering his fourth NFL season, expressed his intention to focus on the upcoming campaign rather than contract negotiations. The 2022 first-round draft pick has been a standout performer for the Chiefs, earning recognition as a two-time All-Pro player. He is widely regarded as the team’s second-best defender, trailing only pass rusher Chris Jones.
“I’m not too worried about the contract. That can just happen in the [next] offseason. Let’s just go out there and have a great year,” McDuffie stated before a recent practice. His commitment to the team is evident as he approaches a critical juncture in his career.
During the 2024-25 season, McDuffie had the most productive year of his career, achieving two interceptions and 13 pass breakups, both of which were personal bests. In total, he recorded 59 tackles, four quarterback hits, and one forced fumble. His defensive skills have contributed to the Chiefs’ success and enhanced their standing in the league.
Chiefs general manager Brett Veach acknowledged the ongoing dialogue regarding McDuffie’s contract. “We definitely have had dialogue. He’s a guy that’s obviously a special player. We’re going to continue that dialogue, and hopefully something gets worked out,” Veach commented last week. He emphasized McDuffie’s importance to the team, noting that securing a new contract for the player remains a priority.
McDuffie was the highest draft pick during Veach’s tenure as general manager, having been selected with the first of two first-round picks following the trade of Tyreek Hill. Since joining the Chiefs, McDuffie has established himself as a cornerstone of the defense, playing 996 defensive snaps last season. His press-man coverage was particularly noteworthy, as he lined up fewer than three yards from opposing receivers on a league-leading 63.5 percent of snaps, marking the second-highest rate for any defender with at least 250 snaps at the perimeter over the past seven seasons.
In April, the Chiefs exercised the fifth-year option in McDuffie’s contract, which guarantees his salary of $13.6 million for 2026. Despite the uncertainty surrounding his contract, McDuffie remains focused on the upcoming season. “I love being a Chief. I know the contract stuff will come,” he concluded, demonstrating his dedication to the team and the game.
As the Chiefs prepare to kick off the new season, all eyes will be on McDuffie and his contributions on the field, while the contract discussions continue off it.