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The Chiefs are keeping one of their young stars on defense 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.
Karlaftis, a first-round draft pick out of Purdue by the Chiefs in 2022, has developed into an impactful piece in defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo’s defense alongside Chris Jones. The Chiefs have seen Karlaftis come into his own recently as they exercised his fifth-year option in April.
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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. In the Chiefs’ last two Super Bowl victories, Karlaftis contributed four sacks, four tackles for loss and eight QB hits over the two postseason runs.
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 why Kansas City has been able to sustain 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 had his fifth-year option exercised this offseason, is now in line to get a contract extension after Karlaftis and Trey Smith have secured long-term deals with Kansas City.
With training camp beginning on Monday for the Chiefs, Karlaftis could prepare for the 2025 season, knowing he’s financially secure in Arrowhead.