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Trent McDuffie Pro Bowl Snub is More Costly Than You Might Realize

By not making the Pro Bowl team, McDuffie's fifth-year option sees a significant decrease in value.

By Joe Summers

Dec 21, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Trent McDuffie (22) celebrates after an interception during the first half against the Houston Texans at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images
Dec 21, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Trent McDuffie (22) celebrates after an interception during the first half against the Houston Texans at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images / Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images
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Star Chiefs CB Trent McDuffie was perhaps the biggest snub on the NFL's Pro Bowl rosters released on Thursday, but fans might not realize just how costly the egregious decision is for the third-year player.

Despite being a First-Team All-Pro in 2023 and on the fast track to receiving the same recognition in 2024, he's never made a Pro Bowl team on the original ballot. Since that's the case, his fifth-year option on his rookie deal will only be worth roughly $12.7 million.

If McDuffie had made one Pro Bowl team, it would jump to $17.1. If he'd made two? McDuffie would be looking at over $20.

Trent McDuffie Literally and Figuratively Robbed by Pro Bowl Snub

Not only did McDuffie take over as the Chiefs' No. 1 cornerback after trading L'Jarius Sneed to the Titans, but he's taken massive steps forward to be even better than he was a year ago.

He's notched 59 tackles with 13 deflected passes, two interceptions, and a forced fumble while surrendering a mere 82.9 passer rating when targeted in coverage. McDuffie gave up a 94.4 mark a year ago despite having Sneed's help. If he was worthy of being an All-Pro in 2023, he certainly still is now.

In a cruel way, it's positive news for Kansas City's salary cap situation. Most assume that the Chiefs want to agree to a contract extension with him ultimately anyway, but they're now looking at approximately a $9 million savings because Pro Bowl voters have no idea what they're doing.

McDuffie ranks as the second-best corner out of 219 players at Pro Football Focus. By any measure, he's one of the best defensive players in the sport. To leave him off the Pro Bowl roster is laughable and unfortunately for the 24-year-old rising star, he's directly paying for the grave mistake.

If he wins another Super Bowl and earns the contract extension he deserves, he likely won't mind. Even still, McDuffie deserves better from the NFL and shouldn't be punished because voters overlooked his fantastic season.

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