The Chiefs are locking up one of their young defensive stars for the next few seasons.
Kansas City and defensive end George Karlaftis have agreed to a four-year, $93 million contract extension with $62 million guaranteed, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported on Sunday, per sources. The extension is worth $22 million per year with incentives to get to $23.25 million, Rapoport added.
Karlaftis, a first-round draft pick out of Purdue in 2022, has developed into an impactful piece in defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo’s defense alongside Chris Jones. The Chiefs have seen how lethal the pairing of Karlaftis and Jones can be. Kansas City recently exercised Karlaftis' fifth-year option in April.
Since being drafted by the Chiefs, Karlaftis has recorded 115 tackles, 56 QB hits, 24.5 sacks and 24 tackles for loss in 49 regular season games. Karlaftis contributed four sacks, four tackles for loss and eight QB hits over the Chiefs' two Super Bowl runs in the 2022 and 2023 seasons.
The 24-year-old Karlaftis ranked 13th among 211 edge rushers with 61 pressures, according to Pro Football Focus.
The 2022 Chiefs draft class has been one of the key reasons for Kansas City's multiple Super Bowl appearances in the last handful of years. General manager Brett Veach and head coach Andy Reid drafted All-Pro cornerback Trent McDuffie, safety Bryan Cook, cornerbacks Nazeeh Johnson, Jaylen Watson and Joshua Williams along with linebacker Leo Chenal and running back Isiah Pacheco.
McDuffie, who also had his fifth-year option exercised this offseason, is now in line to get a contract extension now that Karlaftis and Trey Smith have secured long-term deals with Kansas City.
With training camp beginning on Monday for the Chiefs, Karlaftis can prepare for the 2025 season knowing he’s financially secure in Arrowhead.