Chiefs’ McDuffie on contract talks: "I love being a Chief. I know the contract stuff will come."

The Kansas City Chiefs are actively negotiating a contract extension for standout cornerback Trent McDuffie, who is poised to become one of the highest-paid players at his position.

Why it matters: A successful extension for McDuffie would solidify the Chiefs' secondary and reaffirm their commitment to retaining top defensive talent.

• McDuffie has emerged as a pivotal player on the Chiefs' defense, recording significant stats over the past season that underscore his value.
• With the New York Jets recently signing Sauce Gardner to a record-setting $120.4 million extension, any new deal for McDuffie would need to surpass that benchmark.

What’s new: The Chiefs have exercised McDuffie's fifth-year option, guaranteeing his 2026 salary of $13.6 million, while ongoing discussions aim to finalize an extension before the upcoming season.

• Currently in the fourth year of his rookie contract, McDuffie is expected to earn a base salary of $2,613,066 this season.
• His performance last year included two interceptions, 13 pass breakups, and 59 tackles over 996 defensive snaps, showcasing his ability as a key contributor.

By the numbers: McDuffie's statistics paint a picture of a top-tier cornerback.

• He played press-man coverage on approximately 63.5% of his snaps, ranking second among defenders with at least 250 snaps in the past seven seasons.
• His career-high in pass breakups highlights his capacity to disrupt opposing offenses effectively.

Yes, but: While negotiations are ongoing, McDuffie remains focused on the upcoming season, emphasizing that contract talks will not distract him from his performance on the field.

• "Moving forward now, really, it's just about the season," McDuffie stated, expressing confidence that negotiations can resume after the season's start.

What to watch: As the regular season approaches, keep an eye on the developments regarding McDuffie's contract status.

• The outcome of these talks could set a precedent for future cornerback contracts, especially considering the recent market trends driven by players like Gardner.

The bottom line: The Chiefs view McDuffie as a priority within their roster, with general manager Brett Veach indicating that dialogue around an extension is positive.

• Retaining McDuffie not only strengthens Kansas City's defense but also reflects their strategy of investing in elite talent as they seek another Super Bowl run.