The Kansas City Chiefs have exercised the fifth-year options on cornerback Trent McDuffie and defensive end George Karlaftis, solidifying their future with these key players. McDuffie's option, valued at approximately $13.2 million, allows the Chiefs to keep him at a cost-effective rate while they negotiate a long-term extension, recognizing his performance as a top-10 cornerback. Meanwhile, Karlaftis's $15 million option gives the team time to assess his growth into a leading role on the defensive front, especially with potential changes as veteran Chris Jones approaches retirement. This decision reinforces the Chiefs' commitment to a strong defensive core while managing salary cap implications for upcoming contracts.