In the aftermath of the Kansas City Chiefs’ decision to offer a lucrative extension to right guard Trey Smith earlier this week, it wasn’t long until the attention of Chiefs Kingdom started asking the question, “Who’s next?”
The answer to that question is pretty easy to identify. Cornerback Trent McDuffie is the first name mentioned in such conversations, an ascending young talent who seems poised to become a household name in 2025—if he’s not already. McDuffie came in at No. 81 overall on the NFL’s Top 100 list this summer, and the Chiefs have every reason to keep him around, even at an exorbitant cost.
But McDuffie is not the only one deserving of a new deal. Defensive end George Karlaftis came into the NFL with McDuffie as fellow first-round choices of Kansas City in the 2022 draft class. And together, they have both become pillars on a bright young defense that’s already been to three Super Bowls in three seasons in the league.
The Chiefs would do well to keep George Karlaftis in the fold for the next few seasons.
While McDuffie’s extension is a foregone conclusion, Karlaftis might not be as highly-regarded in the court of public opinion. However, he’s certainly deserving of a new contract, as the Chiefs would be foolish to let such a productive and reliable talent leave while he’s yet to reach his prime.
The truth is that Karlaftis stands in the shadow of Chris Jones when it comes to any discussion of the Chiefs’ pass rush. But for those following the team, the challenges of finding a consistent edge rusher have proven difficult over the years, which makes Karlaftis’s presence such a gift for Steve Spagnuolo.
The Chiefs have already made their first efforts to keep Karlaftis by exercising his fifth-year option, which will keep him in K.C. through the 2026 campaign. That means there’s plenty of time to get a new deal done, but prices for edge rushers will only go up. Perhaps that’s why we’re seeing rumors that the team is interested in getting something done sooner rather than later.
White Boy Summer for Edge Rushers continues as the #Chiefs are closing in on a new deal with George Karlaftis. Expect it to be done during camp but there is serious momentum towards getting an extension done. #ChiefsKingdom #WBS ☀️🕶️ pic.twitter.com/F9pfdQvmNf
https://twitter.com/RickeyScoops/status/1945539739630625008?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
While the source might look odd there, the odd internet account known as Rickey has gotten several rumors right before anyone else—from the Jalen Ramsey trade to the D.K. Metcalf deal.
If Rickey is proven right once again, then that means an extension is coming this summer with Karlaftis. It’s a move that mirrors the frenzy of activity offered last year to secure the futures of Harrison Butker, Creed Humphrey, and Noah Gray during last preseason.
