As the 2025 NFL Draft comes into view, another deadline is fast approaching for teams that must decide on fifth-year options for 2022 first-round picks. For the Kansas City Chiefs, two calls must be made on their selections from that draft class—cornerback Trent McDuffie and defensive end George Karlaftis.

The consensus, even for casual fans, is clear on McDuffie. In fact, it wouldn’t be surprising for the Chiefs to sign him to a long-term deal in the next few weeks/months. As for Karlaftis, the decision to exercise his fifth-year option should be straightforward for the Chiefs as well.

All NFL rookies are forced to sign four-year contracts, but for first-round picks, teams are allowed to extend that deal by one additional season, per the current collective bargaining agreement with the NFLPA. That’s the fifth-year option, and a decision must be made to activate it heading into a player’s fourth year. The window for the 2022 NFL Draft class opened on January 6 and it closes for good on May 1.

Exercising Karlaftis’s fifth-year option should be an obvious move for the Chiefs.

Thus far, only one player—the first overall pick in that 2022 draft class—has had his option exercised for the 2026 season: Jacksonville Jaguars pass rusher Travon Walker. The other exception is Houston Texans corner Derek Stingley Jr., who was instead given a lucrative three-year contract extension. Every other player is waiting to find out if he will stick around for another season with the team that drafted him (save for DB Lewis Cine, who was already cut by the Vikings).

In Karlaftis’ case, the fifth-year option would cost the Chiefs just under $15.2 million in 2026, according to Over The Cap. That number reflects the league’s “playing time” performance tier, a formula based on snap counts over a player’s first three seasons. Karlaftis met the threshold in each of his first two seasons, and barring injury, he’ll meet it again in 2025.

That price tag may look steep at a glance, but it’s the going rate for productive edge players in today’s NFL, and in Karlaftis, the Chiefs already know they have one.

For some perspective, Malcolm Koonce cost the Las Vegas Raiders $11 million on a one-year deal this offseason despite missing all of last season with injury. He’s a 26-year-old in his fifth year who had a promising campaign in 2023 with 8 sacks, but Karlaftis has been far more consistent, reliable, and productive. In short, the Chiefs should pay it.

Since entering the league, Karlaftis has grown into a high-motor defender who does everything asked of him. He’s a well-rounded player who continues to get better and he’s still incredibly young fo someone with three years experience (24 years old). He tied for the team lead in sacks in 2023 with 10.5 and stood alone with the most sacks for KC with 8 more in 2024.

Come May 1, the Chiefs have a choice to make. Given Karlaftis’ track record, productive trajectory, and overall value to a Super Bowl contender, this decision is an easy one.