The Kansas City Chiefs are riding high with a knack for winning-and apparently, a knack for saving cash too. Recently, the team locked in millions in savings thanks to a quirky NFL contract loophole tied to head coach Andy Reid‘s defensive standout, Trent McDuffie. As the fifth-year option prices for the 2022 draft class dropped, the Chiefs secured their All-Pro cornerback for just $13.6 million in 2026-far below what many expected. But while the Chiefs celebrate, some fans and analysts are crying foul over a system that’s shortchanging a key weapon in Reid’s dynasty-building arsenal.
McDuffie, a first-round pick in 2022, has been a cornerstone of Steve Spagnuolo’s suffocating defense. With two straight All-Pro nods and a 2024 season that saw him snag his first two career interceptions, he’s proven his elite status. Pro Football Focus ranked him No. 16 in their “PFF 101” list, with an 82.0 grade-third among cornerbacks.
“Trent McDuffie was the only corner in the league to earn 75.0-plus grades in run defense, pass rushing, and coverage,” PFF noted, highlighting his versatility. Yet, his fifth-year option didn’t reflect that star power. Why? No Pro Bowl nods. One Pro Bowl would’ve bumped it to $17.6 million; two, $20.1 million. Instead, the Chiefs scored a bargain.
Kansas City Chiefs score millions in savings-fair or foul?
For Chiefs fans, it’s a win. “Just $13.6 million instead of a potential $20.1 million? Huge steal,” one supporter cheered on X. The savings give GM Brett Veach more room to maneuver under the salary cap, especially with Patrick Mahomes‘ mega-deal looming. But not everyone’s thrilled.
Critics argue the NFL’s fifth-year option formula-tied heavily to Pro Bowl nods rather than performance metrics-flaws young stars like McDuffie. “He’s one of the best in the game, and he’s getting paid like a mid-tier guy,” an analyst griped. Calls are mounting to rethink the system, especially as All-Pro honors (voted by media) don’t match the fan-driven Pro Bowl.
Andy Reid, fresh off a $100 million extension making him the NFL’s highest-paid coach, isn’t sweating it. His focus? Keeping the Chiefs’ more championships dreams alive. McDuffie’s deal, alongside George Karlaftis’ $15.2 million option, locks in two defensive studs at a discount-fueling Reid’s quest for history. As the Chiefs eye another Super Bowl run in 2025, this contract quirk might just be the edge they need. But for McDuffie, the real payday might have to wait until free agency. For now, Chiefs Nation is counting their millions-and their blessings.
Read the full article here
