As expected, the Kansas City Chiefs will exercise the fifth-year options for both of their 2022 first-round NFL Draft picks: cornerback Trent McDuffie and defensive end George Karlaftis.
The Chiefs traded up to select McDuffie at No. 21, rounding out their first round by taking Karlaftis at No. 30. In February, the NFL revealed the 2026 numbers for the 2022 fifth-year options — which escalate based upon Pro Bowl selections.
Despite earning first-team All-Pro honors in 2023 and second-team honors in 2024, McDuffie has yet to make a Pro Bowl. Karlaftis has neither been named an All-Pro nor received a Pro Bowl nod.
Both McDuffie and Karlaftis thus fall into the second-tier category. McDuffie’s projected salary for 2026 is $13.6 million, while Karlaftis will come in at $15.2 million.
The Chiefs exercising both fifth-year options was always a formality because of the importance of each player. As mentioned, McDuffie is a two-time All-Pro and the unquestioned leader of the team’s secondary. In three seasons, Karlaftis has notched 24.5 sacks, including 10.5 in 2023.
After three full seasons, both players are eligible for a contract extension at any time. That could happen if and when the Chiefs finalize a long-term agreement with right guard Trey Smith.
