One of the key factors contributing to the Kansas City Chiefs’ consecutive championship wins is their ability to extract high-level performance from players signed to affordable contracts. Among these players is third-year cornerback Trent McDuffie, whom Bleacher Report’s Brad Gagnon identifies as the Chiefs’ most underpaid player following the peak of the 2024 free agency period.
Gagnon notes that McDuffie, a first-team All-Pro sophomore, is set to count just $7.3 million against the Chiefs’ salary cap over the next two seasons combined. This financial arrangement underscores McDuffie’s exceptional value to the team, especially considering his significant contributions on the field.
Selected as the 21st overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, McDuffie has rapidly ascended to prominence during his two-year tenure with the Chiefs. He showcased his potential during an outstanding rookie season and continued to evolve in his second year, earning an impressive 82.9 PFF defensive grade during the 2023 regular season, placing him eighth among all NFL cornerbacks.
McDuffie’s versatility is a significant asset for the Chiefs, as he has demonstrated proficiency both along the boundary and in the slot. Additionally, his ability to shadow opposing receivers, although not always necessary due to the presence of L’Jarius Sneed, further underscores his prowess on the field. Indeed, McDuffie has lived up to the expectations associated with being a first-round pick for which the Chiefs traded up.
The departure of L’Jarius Sneed in a trade with the Tennessee Titans on March 29 has elevated McDuffie to the role of CB1 within the Chiefs secondary. This change in status underscores McDuffie’s increased value to the team, particularly in light of recent developments concerning the team’s secondary unit.
With a combined base salary of $4.1 million for the 2024 and 2025 seasons, as reported by Spotrac, McDuffie’s contract offers excellent value to the Chiefs considering his pivotal role and contributions to the team’s success.
As it stands, the Chiefs’ cornerback room comprises McDuffie, alongside Jaylen Watson, Joshua Williams, Nic Jones, Chamarri Conner, Kelvin Joseph, Keith Taylor, and Ekow Boye-Doe. McDuffie’s emergence as a cornerstone player within this group bodes well for the Chiefs’ defensive aspirations in the upcoming seasons.
In addition to McDuffie’s contract situation, the Kansas City Chiefs have also finalized the details of defensive end Mike Danna’s three-year, $24 million contract. The specifics of Danna’s deal, including $13 million guaranteed and a $6.5 million signing bonus, reflect the team’s commitment to retaining key contributors on both sides of the ball.
During his press conference on April 10, Danna expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to continue his career with the Chiefs. He emphasized his dedication to hard work and leadership by example, underscoring his commitment to contributing positively to the team’s success.
As the Kansas City Chiefs prepare for the upcoming NFL season, the signings of Trent McDuffie and Mike Danna represent significant moves aimed at strengthening the team’s roster and positioning them for continued success on the field. With talented players like McDuffie under affordable contracts, the Chiefs are well-equipped to navigate the challenges of roster management while remaining competitive in their pursuit of championship glory.
