Andy Reid has all the support he needs to lead the Kansas City Chiefs back to glory days. Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce may be the biggest leaders on the team, but they’re not the only Super Bowl champions willing to do whatever it takes in the 2025 NFL season.
Cornerback Trent McDuffie, a key contributor in the Chiefs’ back-to-back Super Bowl wins in 2023 and 2024, let Reid and the rest of the coaching staff know to count on him in any way they consider best.
McDuffie played on the outside last season and did well. But in 2023, when he helped Mahomes and Kelce win their second ring, he made it to the All-Pro playing on the slot. Speaking to the media on Monday, the Washington product looked open to going back to the inside if that’s what the Chiefs prefer.
“During our actual exit interviews, they kind of talked about wanting to put me back inside during certain situations; it kind of just allows me to influence the game a little bit more in there, a little bit more blitzing and things like that,” McDuffie said, via Chiefs Wire.
“But, as far as playing outside, matching up, I told them, anything I can do. Outside, inside, cover, whatever you need me to do. That’s where I stand ever since I came in, and that’s what I’m going to continue to do.”
Chiefs’ addition gives Reid a reason to adjust the secondary
The Chiefs made an intriguing addition to their secondary this offseason by signing former Los Angeles Chargers cornerback Kristian Fulton, a move that could allow Reid to move McDuffie back to the slot.
“It should give you a little bit of flexibility,” Reid said. “We’ve got some good corners on the roster, but I think his addition will give you more flexibility. I think it is the best thing…Trent is such a good inside player — and Spags likes using him in there and has a nice package in there with him when he’s used him in there.”
This signing sit well with McDuffie, who feels that Fulton will make a positive impact on the Chiefs’ defense in the 2025 NFL season: “I’m excited. I haven’t got to really be around him too much because everybody is all over the place, but I’m excited to get back in the building with him, you know, and kind of just learn from him.
“I watched him last year when we played the Chargers and kind of just watching their defense and just how he was able to move, seeing how he was able to match up against guys, how he plays the ball really well — he’s a really good corner. He’s a vet and someone I know is going to come in and be able to produce for us.”
McDuffie believes Chiefs still have a strong group
The Chiefs’ defense took a hit this offseason with the departure of safety Justin Reid to the New Orleans Saints. However, seeing players get paid in free agency isn’t something new for Kansas City, and McDuffie believes Mahomes and Kelce shouldn’t be worried about the secondary.
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“Losing him always is a big factor, but the guys that we have right now — Chamarri Conner, Jaden Hicks, Bryan Cook, we got Mike Edwards back — are all guys who know the defense really well. All guys have played a long time and all guys that I know when they’re on the back end with me, I trust them fully,” McDuffie said about Justin Reid’s exit.