Kansas City, MO – April 9, 2025
The Kansas City Chiefs have locked in a cornerstone, activating the fifth-year contract option for pass rusher George Karlaftis, sources confirmed to ESPN on Tuesday. The move, securing the 2022 first-round pick through 2026, ensures the 24.5-sack star stays in Chiefs Kingdom as they reload post-Super Bowl LIX.
Karlaftis, nabbed at No. 30 in 2022 via the Tyreek Hill trade haul, has been a Chiefs dynamo—24.5 sacks, 115 tackles across 49 regular-season games (Chiefs.com). He’s powered KC to three Super Bowl trips, hoisting two trophies, and GM Brett Veach isn’t letting him slip away.
“George is a game-changer—we’re thrilled to keep him,” Veach said post-signing. The fifth-year option, a no-brainer for first-rounders, locks Karlaftis at a projected $15 million for 2026 (Spotrac), buying time for a long-term deal. His 10.5 sacks in 2024 alone cemented his worth.
Chiefs Kingdom erupted on X: “Karlaftis locked? Defense stays elite!” one fan tweeted. “Veach nails it—24.5 sacks is gold!” another cheered. The 24-year-old’s blend of power and hustle—think 6 QB hits in the playoffs—pairs perfectly with Chris Jones, terrifying AFC foes.
The decision comes after a quiet offseason—Joe Thuney’s trade to the Bears and Jawaan Taylor’s exit to Dallas reshaped the O-line, but the D-line’s the priority. With Tershawn Wharton gone to Carolina, Karlaftis is the youth anchoring a veteran front.
His rookie deal’s extension kicks in post-2025, a bargain for a pass rusher who’s blossomed under Steve Spagnuolo. “He’s just hitting his prime,” Spags grinned. Finding Karlaftis’ caliber is rare—Veach knows it.
KC’s 40-22 Super Bowl loss to the Eagles stung, but Karlaftis’ 2 sacks in that game showed his fire. With $11.7 million in cap space (Over the Cap), this move signals Chiefs aren’t rebuilding—they’re fortifying.
Chiefs fans breathe easy—Karlaftis isn’t going anywhere. The dynasty’s pulse beats strong with its 24.5-sack star locked down.
