The Kansas City Chiefs are expected to officially pick up defensive back Trent McDuffie and defensive end George Karlaftis’ fifth-year options.
Former first-round draft picks McDuffie and Karlaftis were among the many NFL players eligible for an option year following the conclusion of their rookie deals. According to a report from ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the Chiefs are picking up those options for two of their brightest young stars from the 2022 NFL Draft.
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McDuffie, since being selected No. 21 overall in the 2022 NFL Draft, has emerged as one of the NFL’s best cornerbacks. He’s tallied 27 passes defensed, seven forced fumbles, two interceptions, and 4.5 sacks in his career. The former Washington Huskies standout was a first-team All-Pro in 2023 and a second-team selection in 2024.
Karlaftis went as the No. 30 overall pick in the same draft, collecting 24.5 sacks and 56 quarterback hits in 49 career games. He has stepped his game up to another level in postseason play with eight sacks and 16 quarterback hits in 10 games on the way to three consecutive Super Bowl appearances. Since leaving Purdue, he has continued to improve the Chiefs’ pass-rushing attack on the defensive line alongside All-Pro Chris Jones.
The Chiefs’ front office has taken a significant step in working to retain their young talent long-term, with time to negotiate longer-term deals throughout the year.
This article originally appeared on Chiefs Wire: Chiefs exercise fifth-year options on George Karlaftis, Trent McDuffie