Kansas City Chiefs defensive end George Karlaftis has signed a four-year, $93 million contract extension, including $62 million guaranteed, according to ESPN sources.
The 24-year-old Karlaftis is entering his prime and made a long-term commitment to the Chiefs. Coach Andy Reid praised Karlaftis as “a relentless player” who is reliable and trustworthy. The deal runs through the 2030 season.
Karlaftis has been an effective pass rusher, recording 24.5 sacks in three years with the team. He led the Chiefs with eight sacks last season and was a key contributor to their postseason run. The new contract makes him the 10th-highest-paid defender among pass rushers, earning an annual average salary of $23.25 million.
General manager Brett Veach said the deal is a win-win for both Karlaftis and the team. Karlaftis is the first member of the Chiefs’ impactful 2022 draft class to sign a second contract with the team. The team’s efforts to keep their young players, including Karlaftis, Smith, and McDuffie, will be crucial in establishing continuity.
The Chiefs signed Pro Bowl right guard Trey Smith to a record-setting four-year, $94 million contract extension earlier this offseason. Sauce Gardner, a two-time All-Pro cornerback, recently signed a record-setting four-year, $120.4 million extension with the New York Jets. A deal for linebacker Nick McDuffie could be similar in scope if it’s offered, according to a team source.
Source: https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/45783276/chiefs-lock-de-george-karlaftis-4-year-deal