Alright, Chiefs Kingdom, let’s talk about our guy Trent McDuffie. There’s some buzz going around and not all of it is sunshine and rainbows. Just last month, the cornerback made quite some headlines with a controversial unnecessary roughness penalty imposed by the NFL at the Super Bowl. On top of that, he may potentially face serious punishment. And now with the Kansas City Chiefs locking him in 2026 at a rate that some say is way below his worth, fans are starting to wonder if the team is truly valuing this defensive weapon. 

McDuffie has been a cornerstone of the Chiefs’ defense since they snagged him in the first round back in 2022. Two straight All-Pro nods, solid stats, and versatility that make him a force against both the run and the pass–the guy’s a stud. But here’s the rub: because he hasn’t earned those Pro Bowl nods, his fifth-year option for 2026 is only $13.6 million. That’s a steal for the Chiefs, sure, giving Brett Veach more wiggle room under the salary cap, especially with Patrick Mahomes‘ massive deal. But is it fair to McDuffie?

This has become even more relevant as the cornerback market is flourishing. Word on the street is Derek Stingley Jr. of Houston Texans, just inked a massive $90 million extension. With $89 million guaranteed, he became the highest-paid cornerback. But he isn’t the only one to receive a lucrative deal. Last Monday, Jaycee Horn of the Carolina Panthers also received a four-year extension worth $100 million, including $70 million guaranteed. 

Stingley’s contract has not only reset the market for cornerbacks but also set a new standard for top defensive talents. But for the Chiefs, it’s a nightmare. They are already dealing with a tight salary cap situation. Reports claim they have managed to create some space by restructuring contracts like those of Mahomes and Chris Jones. But they still have limited room to pivot. And they absolutely wouldn’t want to lose the guy who recorded five tackles at Super Bowl LIX.

However, with the cornerback market escalating, the Chiefs will have to make tough decisions about potentially allocating their resources. But fans aren’t that patient. They have been calling for head coach Andy Reid to step in and push for McDuffie’s payday that truly reflects his value.

Chiefs face fan pressure to secure Trent McDuffie’s future

Look, we all know Reid is a genius. Fresh off a $100 million extension making him the highest-paid coach in the NFL, he has his eyes on the Super Bowl. And right now, that means getting the best guys. As one fan noted, “And Chiefs CB Trent McDuffie also is eligible for a new deal this off-season,” setting the stage for what could be a costly negotiation for the Chiefs. Fans are already speculating about the size of McDuffie’s future contract with comments like “Trent McDuffie bout to get a nice fat bag.”

Having a defensive talent like McDuffie is a big reason why the Chiefs’ defense was ranked among the top last season. But if the franchise would take him for granted, fans fear he might move on to something better. And if there’s anyone who can ensure it doesn’t happen, they believe it’s Reid. As one fan exclaimed, “Whoa. Trent McDuffie contract talks just got real.” And if the Chiefs decide to get into this, they will have to pay top dollar to keep McDuffie: “A potential Trent McDuffie deal just got significantly more expensive.”

The Chiefs have to take the call, be it today or tomorrow. It’s something they can’t possibly avoid. Fans are also curious about the specifics of his future contract, asking, “Now I’m curious how much Trent McDuffie is gonna get?” One brought in another top cornerback Sauce Gardner in the conversation, suggesting, “Sauce Gardner and Trent McDuffie are loving Stingley’s new contract.” With fans eagerly awaiting a resolution, the clock is ticking for Reid and his Chiefs to make a move.