One of the consistent traits of the Kansas City Chiefs' dynasty has been a confidence that no piece in the secondary is irreplaceable. L'Jarius Sneed, Tyrann Mathieu, and Justin Reid serve as recent examples of star contributors whom the franchise didn't hesitate to turn the page on before it was too late. Now, there is room to wonder if corner Trent McDuffie could be following this same path after a recent rough stretch that concluded on Sunday night, with the corner exiting the game with a knee injury.
The Chiefs already exercised McDuffie's fifth-year option, putting the corner in a contract year next season. Now would be the moment to trade the corner if the Chiefs believe that it is the right time to exit and avoid signing a top-dollar deal. There has already been speculation as to which star players the Chiefs might consider trading in the 2026 offseason. McDuffie should be firmly on this list, with fans starting to see the need for change and open to parting ways with the defensive back.
Snead served as a perfect example of the risks of paying a corner as the former Chief has struggled with the Titans since leaving Kansas City. Rather than taking the risk of paying McDuffie a top-dollar deal, it makes sense to sell high and attempt to get a return that offers you more long-term control. Given how well the Chiefs have continued to scout and rebuild the secondary, there is little concern that McDuffie can be replaced.
Chiefs Front Office Must Consider Trading Star Corner Trent McDuffie Ahead of Contract Year
McDuffie is still playing at a high level, evidenced by a 76.7 Pro Football Focus grade; however, fans are starting to notice injury and level of play concerns that have put a trade firmly on the table. It isn't as if the Chiefs are winning anything of note this season with McDuffie on the roster. This is a group that needs a shake-up, and getting a return for the corner ahead of the final year of his deal makes sense.
You're saving the cap space of signing a potentially risky extension while also garnering a noteworthy return. McDuffie getting dealt is now a very real possibility and one that Kansas City should be anxiously exploring at the end of the 2025 season.
Trading away key pieces isn't just about the contract situation or following the script of what GM Brett Veach wrote with Snead; it sends a message. One that should invite a sense of urgency and give the Chiefs a chance for a bit of a reset after what appears to be a lost season.
If there is any franchise that has earned room to stumble, it is Kansas City. However, there is no question that the Chiefs cannot accept the results of this season and must do what it takes to get back on top, with trading McDuffie fitting perfectly into this picture for a team that has previously never been afraid to think outside the box.