Season Kickoff: Chiefs Cornerback Trent McDuffie to Start Without Contract Extension – What It Means for the Team

The Kansas City Chiefs and cornerback Trent McDuffie are still in discussions about a new contract, but an agreement seems unlikely before the season kicks off. According to Nate Taylor from ESPN, negotiations have been ongoing for about six weeks, but no deal has been struck yet.

McDuffie mentioned that he is focused on the game ahead and is not too concerned about the contract situation. He currently has a base salary of $2.61 million this season. “Right now, it’s all about the season and the upcoming game,” he said. “We can sort out the contract when the time is right.”

The Chiefs did exercise McDuffie’s fifth-year option, which guarantees his $13.6 million salary for 2026. General Manager Brett Veach noted that discussions will continue, leaving the door open for a potential extension later this year.

In comparison, the Dallas Cowboys recently signed cornerback DaRon Bland, a standout player this season, to a hefty four-year, $92 million deal, including $50 million guaranteed. While McDuffie hasn’t been to the Pro Bowl, he was named a first-team All-Pro in 2023 and second-team in 2024, highlighting his skills on the field.

Last season, McDuffie recorded two interceptions, 13 pass breakups, 59 tackles, four quarterback hits, and a forced fumble. His development has caught the attention of fans and experts alike, as many believe he’s on track to become one of the league’s top players.

Statistically, players under similar contracts tend to perform at higher levels, especially when motivated by upcoming negotiations. An analysis by the Sports Research Institute indicates that NFL players often show improved statistics during contract years. As the season unfolds, it will be interesting to see how McDuffie’s performance may influence future negotiations.

For fans wanting to stay updated, you can read more on the latest NFL developments here.

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