Chiefs rumors: Kansas City’s next priority after Trey Smith signing

Following their Super Bowl loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, the Kansas City Chiefs have prioritized retaining core players over aggressive external acquisitions this offseason. This approach mirrors their strategy after a 2021 blowout loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, which preceded two championships. The team recently secured Pro Bowl right guard Trey Smith with a $94 million contract extension.

The Chiefs' next focus is extending All-Pro cornerback Trent McDuffie, a defensive cornerstone. ESPN's Nate Taylor reported that Kansas City will shift attention to McDuffie following Sauce Gardner's new deal with the New York Jets, suggesting McDuffie has arguably been more productive. The organization aims to finalize an agreement before training camp or the regular season begins.

McDuffie's value is immense despite unflashy stats, as Kansas City increasingly relies on defense. His 2023 season featured two interceptions, 13 pass breakups, 45 solo tackles, six tackles for loss, and a forced fumble across 16 games. Pro Football Focus awarded him an 83.1 defensive grade and ranks him among the NFL's top five players under 25, highlighting his multifaceted impact—a quality GM Brett Veach recognizes.

The Chiefs have a history of making calculated financial decisions, having traded key contributors like Tyreek Hill and Joe Thuney after championship runs. Management trusts its foundational building process but acknowledges McDuffie's rapid emergence as a franchise pillar. This likely necessitates a significant contract extension to secure his long-term future with the team.