Since quarterback Patrick Mahomes took over as the starter for the Kansas City Chiefs in 2018, the team has mostly become known for its high-powered offense and flashy plays.
However, last season, their defense was one of the most productive parts of their success, finishing the year ranked fourth in points per game allowed (19.2) and ninth in total yards per game allowed (320.6).
A big contributor to that was cornerback Trent McDuffie, who earned Second-Team All-Pro honors, allowing just 54 receptions, 545 yards and four touchdowns on 90 targets with two interceptions and 13 pass deflections.
Now, he's even earning some recognition from his peers, because on Friday, the NFL revealed that McDuffie snagged the No. 81 spot on The Top 100 Players of 2025 list, which is voted on by players.
However, where he landed on the list has quickly been met with many frustrated Kansas City fans who believe that the cornerback deserved a better spot.
"Best Corner in the league and he’s #81?! Yeah 1st Team AP DPOTY loading," said one comment.
"Back to back all pros and he’s ranked 81. Yeah right," said another.
"This is absurd… McDuffie is very likely a top 50 player in this league," a third added.
A fourth stated, "My boy #81 is crazy disrespectful he's in the slot full time now so I expect top 30 next year."
"81?????????????? only corner better than him right now is Pat and he more versatile than him idk about 81 but we need to pay him yesterday," a fifth continued.
"Top 3 corner in the league ranked 81," said another.
Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Trent McDuffie
Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Trent McDuffie is No. 81 on The Top 100 Players of 2025
(Kirby Lee-Imagn Images)
While his placement on this list may be in debate, one thing that's not is that McDuffie has put himself in a position to earn a nice paycheck soon, as he's entering the fourth year on his rookie deal with the Chiefs with a fifth-year option available in 2026.
If Kansas City wants to retain the cornerback, they're going to have to shell out some serious money, as Spotrac predicts that his market value will earn him a three-year, $73 million contract.