The Kansas City Chiefs have had enough troubles throughout the 2025 season, and the head coach, Andy Reid, is consistently making firm decisions to save the team from another similar setback. Amid ongoing changes to the coaching staff, the 67-year-old could soon announce a major move for the 2026 roster. While the possibility of Travis Kelce’s potential return in 2026 still remains uncertain, Reid is expected to retain one of the key pieces from Patrick Mahomes’ defensive unit.

“The Chiefs intend on signing CB Trent McDuffie to an extension, per source,” Chief Talks posted on X. “A lot can change over the coming months, but the organization is keen to keep the standout corner in KC.”

The decision comes as the franchise faces a tight salary-cap situation following its first losing season in a decade.

Trent McDuffie joined the Kansas City Chiefs in May 2022 after being selected in the first round of the NFL Draft. He signed a four-year rookie contract worth about $13.99 million, fully guaranteed, along with a $7.35 million signing bonus. His current market value stands at around $111,492,812.

The deal covers the 2022 through 2025 seasons and also includes a team fifth-year option for 2026, which the Chiefs are expected to go with this time. This means that the cornerback is under contract through the 2026 season if the option is exercised.

And why not? McDuffie has given all the reasons for the team to bet on him once again. He helped the Chiefs win two Super Bowls (2023 & 24) and also earned All-Pro honors in 2023 and 2024. The 2025 season, despite being a tragic one for the team, saw satisfying results from the cornerback. He finished the season with about 63 tackles, one sack, seven passes defensed, and one interception.

While retaining the 25-year-old might seem like a wise decision, its full acceptance didn’t come without a catch. The financial calculations after a predicted final roster provide a clear idea of how trading could be the only possible solution with the team right now.

Cap limitations ring alarm bells over Trent McDuffie’s future in Kansas City

The Kansas City Chiefs are facing a tough offseason, and the salary cap is the biggest reason why. The team is currently more than $54 million over the cap, which leaves very little room to improve the roster unless major changes are made. One name now caught in that discussion is Trent McDuffie. McDuffie is due to earn $13.6 million in fully guaranteed salary next season. For a player of his quality, that number makes sense. However, for a team already deep in cap trouble, it becomes a serious challenge.

The Chiefs could create space in other ways. Cutting players like Jawaan Taylor, Mike Danna, Drue Tranquill, and Noah Gray could save nearly $40 million. They could also restructure Patrick Mahomes’ contract, which may open up as much as $44 million more. Even then, the money goes fast. Kansas City must set aside around $12.7 million for its draft class. Adding a free-agent running back could cost another $5–10 million. After those moves, the team would have a minimal budget left to spend in free agency.

Trading McDuffie would quickly solve part of the problem. A deal would clear about $13 million in cap space with no dead money. That flexibility could help the Chiefs target a pass rusher such as Boye Mafe or Dre’Mont Jones (picks from Arrowhead), both of whom could help a defensive line that needs more pressure. Trading him could also bring valuable draft picks. Chiefs fans remember how the Tyreek Hill trade helped build the strong 2022 draft class. Losing McDuffie could prove to be a big loss for the Chiefs, but tight cap limits may push them towards the difficult decision.