The Kansas City Chiefs came into the 2025 offseason with potential extensions aplenty. General manager Brett Veach has earned loads of credibility having constructed a roster that plays in the Super Bowl annually, but this offseason will feature more critical decisions than normal that will dramatically affect the team's future.
The Chiefs came into the offseason needing to make up their minds about the futures of linebacker Nick Bolton and right guard Trey Smith as they entered the offseason, knowing that each could leave the team for greener pastures in free agency. That's not to mention possible deals for the likes of safety Justin Reid or defensive tackle Turk Wharton, but it felt likely that both players would be allowed to leave.
The Chiefs acted decisively in terms of Smith and utiilized the franchise tag on him, which set the tone for the rest of the offseason knowing that he would remain in place for at least the next year and likely beyond with a new long-term deal—assuming both sides can get it done. The domino effect, however, led to the trade that sent Joe Thuney to the Chicago Bears, forcing a major shift along the team's offensive line.
Beyond that, the Chiefs also have a number of players coming into their contract seasons in 2025—the downside of having such a stellar 2022 NFL Draft class for Brett Veach.
There's a lot of potential long-term contracts in play for the Chiefs in 2025.
Trent McDuffie is already having his future extension discussed after seeing other young corners like Derek Stingley Jr. and Jaycee Horn signing long-term contracts with the Houston Texans and Carolina Panthers, respectively. McDuffie wasn't the only first-round pick that year, however, and defensive end George Karlaftis could make a good case for earning an early extension as well.
Beyond that, it should not surprise anyone in Chiefs Kingdom to see if the team was interested in extending someone like safety Bryan Cook or cornerback Jaylen Watson knowing that so many other defensive backs will also hit the open market at the same time. Linebacker Leo Chenal is also a favorite on both defense and special teams.
There's even potential for someone like running back Isiah Pacheco to earn a bit more security, although it's likely the Chiefs will let that contract play out to see how he holds up health-wise for another season. The same can be said for wide receiver Hollywood Brown.
Suffice it to say that the Chiefs have myriad ways they can choose to invest their future earnings and each "yes" or "no" will shape the roster for years to come. Smith seems in line for a new deal and McDuffie's is likely on the way as well. But we've already seen Veach hand out surprising extensions in years past (who saw Noah Gray coming?), which means anything can happen this spring and summer.
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