Chiefs Coach Andy Reid Discusses George Karlaftis Contract Extension

Just before 2025 training camp begins, the Kansas City Chiefs have locked up yet another integral and young player.

Less than a week after signing guard and 2021 sixth-round pick Trey Smith to a four-year, $94 million extension, the Chiefs signed 2022 first-round pick George Karlaftis to a similar four-year $93 million contract extension, which includes $62 million guaranteed.

“We love having that. Our continuity is a big thing with your good, young players,” Chiefs head coach Andy Reid said. “It’s great from a coaching standpoint.”

Karlaftis’ total contract value ranks seventh among defensive ends. And his average annual value of $23.25 million ranks eighth. (Both are just below Green Bay Packers defensive end and 2024 Pro Bowler Rashan Gary, who is on a four-year $96 million deal.)

Karlaftis recorded 10.5 and 8.0 sacks the last two years, respectively, and has started 44 games out of a possible 51 game in three years.

“He’s reliable,” Reid said. “You can trust that he’s going to be there and do the right things and go 100 miles an hour doing them.”

Reid described Karlaftis as “relentless” and said how well he’s regarded on the team.

Karlaftis was born in Athens, Greece, where he played goalkeeper for the under-16 national water polo team. That background helped him become adept at deflecting passes, and he has registered 15 passes defended in his three years.

“Some of it has to do with the hand-eye coordination,” Karlaftis said.

With the goalkeeper’s main job being blocking shots from the opposition, it served as great training for the future defensive lineman.

The 2022 first-round pick started from Day One and has been a productive NFL player. But the question is how much he benefits from lining up right next to defensive tackle Chris Jones, who is perhaps the NFL’s best defensive tackle and commands frequent double teams.

Karlaftis, though, certainly has been successful. During his three years in the NFL, all he has known is Super Bowls, playing in three straight and winning two of them.

The Chiefs have now locked up their 24-year-old defensive end for six more seasons through 2030.

It’s a good deal for Karlaftis too because he’ll be young enough (29) at the end of this extension to potentially receive another long-term deal.

“That’s a great thing,” Reid said. “He’s a heck of a player and he’s done a great job here and he’s profited from that. And our team also has profited from being around him. So it’s a win/win.”

The Karlaftis signing continues a wise trend for the Chiefs of re-signing their stalwarts from the 2021 and 2022 draft classes. In addition to the recent signing of Smith and Karlaftis, they’ve also extended three 2021 draft picks: center Creed Humphrey, linebacker Nick Bolton and tight end Noah Gray.

The next target likely will be cornerback Trent McDuffie, Karlaftis’ fellow first-round pick from 2022.

“It’s an ongoing thing,” Reid said. “You’ve got to have a good feel and a good plan for the future.”