Reports indicate that the Kansas City Chiefs have secured a long-term commitment from their premier pass rusher, having reached an understanding with defensive end George Karlaftis regarding a four-year extension to his existing contract.
According to information from ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Karlaftis’s new agreement is valued at $93 million, which includes $62 million in guaranteed compensation.
In his tenure spanning three seasons with the Chiefs, Karlaftis has amassed a total of 24.5 sacks, 115 total tackles, 56 quarterback pressures, and 24 tackles resulting in a loss for the opposition. He joined Kansas City as their first-round selection (30th overall) in the 2022 NFL Draft, having played collegiately at Purdue.
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During the Chiefs’ postseason journey to Super Bowl LIX, Karlaftis contributed significantly with four sacks, 13 tackles, 8 quarterback pressures, and 4 tackles for loss. Alongside defensive tackle Chris Jones, middle linebacker Nick Bolton, and cornerback Trent McDuffie, he has emerged as a key component of Steve Spagnuolo’s defensive unit.
Karlaftis, now 24, was already under contract for the upcoming season via his initial rookie agreement, and the Chiefs had previously exercised their option to extend his contract for a fifth year, covering the 2026-27 season. As indicated by Spotrac, the $62 million in guaranteed money within his contract places him ninth among edge rushers in the NFL. Furthermore, his average annual compensation of $23.25 million positions him just outside the top 10 highest-paid players at his position.
The Chiefs’ defense concluded the previous season ranked 18th in the NFL, having recorded 39 sacks, and their overall defensive performance placed them 16th, allowing 3,970 yards. They concluded the regular season with a 15-2 record and reached Super Bowl LIX, where they were defeated by the Philadelphia Eagles with a final score of 40-22.
Karlaftis follows guard Trey Smith as the latest Chiefs player to receive a substantial contract extension. The prior week, Smith finalized a four-year agreement worth $92 million (including $70 million guaranteed), establishing him as the highest-paid player at his respective position. It is anticipated that the Chiefs will next prioritize negotiating an extension with McDuffie.
Kansas City’s training camp is scheduled to commence on Monday at Missouri Western State University.
