Kansas City faces a near-term holdout on Trent McDuffie, with no multiyear deal expected before the season opens against the Chargers. McDuffie, coming off career-best metrics (two INTs, 13 pass breakups, 59 tackles) and a league-high 996 defensive snaps near the line, is a priority but talks have stretched into Week 1. KC may opt for dialogue into 2024 and, if unresolved, could tag him in 2027. Sauce Gardner’s extension benchmark looms as a price reference for McDuffie.

The 2022 class—Karlaftis, Pacheco, Cook, Chenal, Watson—helped cement KC’s dynasty, which has already claimed back-to-back titles and reached the title game in three straight seasons. The Jets’ Gardner deal and Tyreek Hill’s trade backdrop shape the market for top corners and star defenders as KC manages cap and roster longevity ahead of a pivotal season opener vs. LA.

Seattle’s preseason showcase suggested a fortified run game for 2025, as the Seahawks rolled 268 rushing yards on a rainy Week 2 night, with 120 yards coming across two drives and 77 before contact. The starting five of Josh Jones, Grey Zabel, Jalen Sundell, Anthony Bradford and Abraham Lucas paved the way even without Charles Cross and Olu Oluwatimi, while yielding only one pressure in that stretch.

Five Seattle players logged 30+ rushing yards, signaling a deep and productive ground attack, paired with a clean 17-of-21 passing for 209 yards and two Jake Bobo scores. Bradford stood out, delivering six positive grades on 13 run blocks and remaining unscathed in 6 pass-blocking snaps, putting him on pace for elite overall grading pending final review.

The Chiefs rested several starters but still fielded a seasoned defense, and rookie Josh Simmons kept clean in pass protection. PFF’s postgame review and the early data snapshot point to Seattle’s offensive line and run scheme carrying momentum into the regular season, with Bobo expanding the aerial threat and Bradford anchoring the interior protection.

The Kansas City Chiefs are gearing up for the 2025 NFL season with an eye on the future, particularly at the safety position. With both of their starting safeties currently on rookie contracts, the team is looking to strengthen this crucial defensive spot ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft. Justin Reid's impending departure leaves the Chiefs needing to assess their options for replacements. Bryan Cook, who has been a two-year starter, alongside Jaden Hicks and Chamarri Conner, is part of a young safety core that could evolve with the right additions.

One highly regarded prospect is USC's Kamari Ramsey, who has returned for another season after showing second-round potential in 2024. His development could be pivotal in the upcoming draft, where the Chiefs will seek to bolster their secondary with new talent to ensure continued success on defense.