George Karlaftis, Chiefs Agree to 4-Year, $93M Contract Extension, $62M Guaranteed

George Karlaftis and the Kansas City Chiefs reportedly agreed on a four-year $93 million extension on Sunday, per ESPN's Adam Schefter, keeping the edge-rusher with the organization through the 2030 season.

The deal includes $62 million in guaranteed money.

Karlaftis has lived up to his first-round billing—he was the No. 30 overall pick in 2022—registering 24.5 sacks across his first three seasons. He was fantastic in 2024, posting eight sacks, 35 tackles (nine for loss), 28 quarterback hits and five passes defensed in 16 games.

Only Zach Allen (40) and Trey Hendrickson (36) had more quarterback hits last year.

In May, ESPN's Aaron Schatz listed Karlaftis as the most underrated edge-rusher in the sport, writing the following:

"If you want to find an underrated edge rusher, there's a general rule to follow: Look for someone who ranks a lot higher in pressures than sacks. That means he's getting to the quarterback and causing negative plays for the opponent, even if he isn't getting the sack. In 2024, Karlaftis was that guy. He followed up a 10.5-sack season in 2023 with eight sacks last season, but his pressure total was far more impressive. Karlaftis was tied for 14th in the NFL with 44 pressures. He added 11 more pressures in three playoff games and had three sacks against the Texans in the AFC divisional round."

He's become a key member of Kansas City's front seven, alongside players like Chris Jones and Nick Bolton, so extending him long term always made sense. And if he continues to build on his success, his deal could end up looking like quite the bargain in the future.