Trent McDuffie, George Karlaftis, Isiah Pacheco highlight a sensational 2022 draft class that is now eligible for new contracts.
Nov 24, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid yells out to his offense during the second quarter against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images / Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
The Chiefs’ landmark 2022 NFL Draft class helped mold the foundation of the back-to-back Super Bowl champions. Of the 10 players selected by Kansas City in that draft, nine remain with the team and are now eligible for contract extensions.
This list includes All-Pro CB Trent McDuffie, DE George Karlaftis, RB Isiah Pacheco, and more. McDuffie and Karlaftis both have fifth-year options as first-round picks, though the other players will be entering the last year of their rookie contracts.
With the playoffs getting started, everyone’s focus is on securing the three-peat. Even still, big decisions may be on the horizon as each of these young Chiefs has their first opportunity at a new deal.
Trent McDuffie, George Karlaftis, Isiah Pacheco Highlight Chiefs Eligible for Contract Extensions
Effective today, members of the 2022 NFL Draft class are eligible to sign extensions with their team.
From the first pick in Jaguars DE Travon Walker to Mr. Irrelevant in 49ers QB Brock Purdy, we could see plenty of deals over the months ahead.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) January 6, 2025
Every player from the 2022 draft class can now sign an extension. It’s the first day of the offseason for many less unfortunate teams, so negotiations will now begin. McDuffie and Karlaftis, who has 24.5 sacks through his first three seasons, feel like sure bets to have their fifth-year options picked up before extensions happen.
Pacheco is a more interesting case considering his injury history, the value of the running back position, and the Chiefs’ ability to pluck Kareem Hunt off the street and find success. It seems like there would be mutual interest provided Pacheco doesn’t demand a massive deal.
Trent McDuffie this season:
🔒 68.52% lockdown rate (1st among all defenders)
Pro Bowl snub? pic.twitter.com/JEz2npNGlY
— PFF KC Chiefs (@PFF_Chiefs) January 3, 2025
Other players now eligible include WR Skyy Moore, S Bryan Cook, LB Leo Chenal, and CBs Joshua Williams, Jaylen Watson, and Nazeeh Johnson. Kansas City also drafted OT Darian Kinnard but he’s currently with the Eagles.
It’s unheard of for an NFL team to find so many productive players in one class. Finding seven-to-nine contributors over a two-year stretch would be a great feat, let alone to do it in one. The nature of the salary cap will make it difficult to keep everyone, making it probable that 2025 will be some of those Chiefs’ final season in Kansas City.
For now, all that matters is winning that third straight Super Bowl. The Chiefs have the second-best odds (+375) at FanDuel Sportsbook and might look even better after the extended rest thanks to the first-round bye.
