Andy Reid, Chiefs make significant roster moves ahead of the 2025 NFL season

Andy Reid is determined to lead the Kansas City Chiefs back to the Super Bowl, and one of the key factors will be keeping as many players as possible for the upcoming NFL season. With that goal in mind, part of the process involved retaining two key defensive players on the roster.

According to the latest reports, head coach Reid can breathe a sigh of relief as the Chiefs have exercised the fifth-year options on both George Karlaftis and Trent McDuffie. Two key pillars of Kansas City’s defense will continue to protect their teammates heading into the upcoming season.

The news was reported by NFL insider Jordan Schultz, who shared further details about this important move by the front office through his official X account (formerly Twitter).

“Sources: The #Chiefs are exercising the fifth-year options for CB Trent McDuffie ($13.6M) and DE George Karlaftis ($15.1M). Both were no-brainers and pillars of the defense for years to come,” the insider reported via @Schultz_Report.

George Karlaftis #56 of the Kansas City Chiefs congratulates teammate Trent McDuffie #22 on an interception during the fourth quarter against the Cleveland Browns at Huntington Bank Field on December 15, 2024 in Cleveland, Ohio.

Another key addition to support Mahomes

Following the Chiefs’ Super Bowl loss, one of the biggest questions centered around the future of Travis Kelce with the team. Although Kelce confirmed he’ll return for at least one more season, Andy Reid has added a new tight end — a potential successor to the All-Pro star.

According to an announcement over the weekend by Ryan Fowler of The Draft Network, the latest addition to one of last season’s most solid teams is young tight end Jake Briningstool, coming from the Clemson Tigers.

During his three years with the Tigers in college football, he caught 127 passes for 1,380 yards and 17 touchdowns in 48 appearances. While Kelce will undoubtedly remain one of the Chiefs’ starting tight ends, the arrival of Briningstool suggests a potential replacement should the need arise.