Chiefs Lock Down Two Defensive Stars — But One Just Lost $4 Million Over a Technicality

The Kansas City Chiefs are securing the future of their defense — but one of their brightest stars is walking away with $4 million less than he arguably deserves.

On Thursday, the team picked up fifth-year options on both cornerback Trent McDuffie and defensive end George Karlaftis, extending each player through the 2026 season. It’s a strategic move for the Super Bowl champions, ensuring continuity on a defense that has become one of the most reliable in the NFL.

McDuffie will earn $13.632 million under the fifth-year option, while Karlaftis will take home $15.196 million, per OverTheCap. But there’s a catch — and it’s hitting McDuffie in the wallet.

Despite earning All-Pro first-team honors in 2023 and second-team honors in 2024, McDuffie’s fifth-year salary is significantly lower than it could have been. Why? Because of a technical clause in the NFL’s Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) that ties fifth-year salaries to Pro Bowl selections — not All-Pro honors.

Had McDuffie been voted to a single Pro Bowl, his salary would have jumped to $17.595 million. That’s a difference of $3.963 million — nearly $4 million lost due to what many believe is an outdated and flawed metric for player recognition. In contrast, some players with less impactful seasons but a single Pro Bowl nod will earn more under the same rule.

Still, McDuffie remains focused on team success rather than personal losses.

“You want to get paid the most for what you do, but at the end of the day, my job was to come here and be successful with the team,” McDuffie said. “So when you talk about money, that will always come. As long as I’m doing my job on the field, that will come.”

Karlaftis, meanwhile, has been a steady contributor on the defensive line, logging 24.5 sacks over three seasons and earning a well-deserved extension.

Chiefs GM Brett Veach hinted that long-term deals may be on the horizon for both players. But for now, McDuffie will have to play another season knowing he’s being paid less than others with far fewer accolades — all because of a technicality in how the NFL defines success.