The Kansas City Chiefs have not finalized a new contract with key defensive player Trent McDuffie, who is set to earn $2.6 million this season. Negotiations for a multiyear deal have been ongoing for the past six weeks, but according to ESPN, no agreement has been reached ahead of the upcoming season.
The Chiefs will kick off their season against the Los Angeles Chargers on Friday, September 8, 2023, in a matchup taking place in Sao Paulo, Brazil. As McDuffie prepares for his fourth NFL season, he has expressed his focus on the game rather than contract discussions.
McDuffie, a two-time All-Pro, acknowledged that he expects to play through this season under the terms of his rookie contract. “Moving forward now, really, it’s just about the season and about [Friday’s] game,” he stated. “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.”
Entering his fourth season, McDuffie recorded a standout performance in 2024/25, with career highs of two interceptions and 13 pass breakups. He also tallied 59 tackles, four quarterback hits, and one forced fumble. His performance has solidified his reputation as the Chiefs’ second-best defender, following Chris Jones.
Chiefs general manager Brett Veach commented on the situation last week, noting, “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. I think things have been good. Trent is obviously going to be a priority.”
McDuffie was the highest draft pick of Veach’s tenure since he assumed the role in 2017. The Chiefs selected him in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft, using one of their two first-round picks acquired from the Tyreek Hill trade. He has been a starter since joining the team and is known for his impressive coverage skills and durability, having played 996 defensive snaps last season.
His press-man coverage, which saw him lining up within three yards of opposing receivers on a league-leading 63.5 percent of snaps, marked the second-highest rate among defenders 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, guaranteeing a salary of $13.6 million for 2026.
Despite the ongoing contract talks, McDuffie emphasized his commitment to the team, stating, “I love being a Chief. I know the contract stuff will come.” As the season opener approaches, all eyes will be on McDuffie and the Chiefs as they aim for success in the 2023 season.
