The Kansas City Chiefs didn’t give Trent McDuffie a contract extension in the offseason.
They’re not expected to get a deal done before the season opener against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Nevertheless, the All-Pro cornerback said he isn’t concerned about that and won’t allow the situation to get in the way of his performance and preparation.
“Moving forward now, really, it’s just about the season and about [Friday’s] game,” McDuffie said. “I’m not too worried about the contract. That can just happen in the [next] offseason. Let’s just go out there and have a great year.”
The sides reportedly were in talks about an extension for weeks.
The soon-to-be 25-year-old will enter the fourth year of his rookie contract as a significant bargain, making just over $2.6 million.
Last season, he had his first two NFL interceptions to go along with 13 passes defended, 59 combined tackles, four quarterback hits and one forced fumble.
He’s arguably the best cornerback in the league in press-man coverage and looked to be the next in line to get a big payday at his position.
The New York Jets reset the cornerback market when they gave Sauce Gardner a four-year, $120.4 million extension, including at least $85 million guaranteed.
That likely elevated McDuffie’s asking price and baseline for his potential deal.
The Chiefs and McDuffie have kept things classy in this negotiation, and both sides have sounded optimistic about getting a deal done eventually.
McDuffie could threaten to hold out like other players do when it’s time to cash in.
For now, that doesn’t seem to be the case, and while the situation isn’t ideal, it shouldn’t be much longer before they find some middle ground.
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