The Kansas City Chiefs are in unfamiliar territory this season-and not the good kind. After coming up just short in last year’s Super Bowl, expectations were sky-high for another deep postseason run. But instead of cruising toward January, the Chiefs are limping into Week 14 with a 6-6 record and sitting third in a crowded AFC West.
It’s not just about this season, either. The urgency in Kansas City is real, and it goes beyond the standings.
The team is staring down a looming salary cap crunch in 2026, where they’re currently projected to have the least amount of effective cap space in the league. That kind of financial squeeze doesn’t just limit flexibility-it forces hard decisions.
And one of those decisions could involve one of their best young defensive stars: Trent McDuffie.
McDuffie has been everything the Chiefs could’ve hoped for since arriving in Kansas City. He’s a Pro Bowler, a two-time Super Bowl champion, and in 2025, he’s once again been one of the most consistent players on the field. Through 12 games, he’s tallied 62 tackles, two tackles for loss, a sack, and an interception-solid numbers for any corner, but even more impressive when you factor in the film.
According to Pro Football Focus, McDuffie’s 76.7 grade this season ranks him 6th out of 108 qualified corners. That’s elite territory.
He’s sticky in coverage, physical in the run game, and versatile enough to line up inside or outside. In short, he’s the kind of player any team would love to build around.
But the Chiefs may not be able to afford that luxury much longer.
McDuffie is under contract through the 2026 season, so there’s no immediate pressure to move him. But if extension talks stall or it becomes clear that a long-term deal isn’t financially feasible, Kansas City could explore the trade market-just like they did with Tyreek Hill.
General manager Brett Veach has shown he’s not afraid to part ways with high-priced veterans when the cap demands it. Joe Thuney, Hill, and L’Jarius Sneed are all examples of stars who were moved when their price tags got too steep.
If the Chiefs miss the playoffs-a real possibility given their current record-those tough decisions could come sooner rather than later. They still have three divisional games left, which gives them a shot to make a late push, but if things don’t break their way, the offseason could bring some serious roster reshuffling.
Trading McDuffie wouldn’t be a popular move with fans, and it wouldn’t be easy for the front office either. But with a major cap crunch on the horizon and a roster that needs retooling, Kansas City may be forced to listen to offers.
And make no mistake-if they do, the line of interested teams will be long. A 25-year-old Pro Bowl corner with championship experience and elite production doesn’t hit the trade block often.
For now, the Chiefs are still fighting to stay alive in the playoff race. But the clock is ticking-not just on the season, but on the financial flexibility that’s helped fuel their recent dynasty run. And depending on how the next few weeks go, Trent McDuffie’s future in Kansas City could become one of the offseason’s biggest storylines.