Quarterback Patrick Mahomes is the Kansas City Chiefs’ most important player, but their defense has also played a pivotal role in their recent success.
When the Chiefs won their fourth Super Bowl during the 2023 season, they allowed the league’s second-fewest points (17.3) during the regular season. Last season, Kansas City returned to the Super Bowl, and the defense was elite again. The unit ranked fourth in the league in points allowed (19.2) during the regular season.
The Chiefs realize they must keep the defense intact to win more championships. Kansas City and EDGE George Karlaftis agreed to a four-year, $93M contract with $62M guaranteed on Sunday (via ESPN’s Adam Schefter).
Karlaftis will now be making more than Minnesota Vikings EDGE Andrew Van Ginkel ($23M per year), a 2024 second-team All-Pro. The 2022 first-round pick earned no All-Pro selections in his first three seasons with the Chiefs. He also reached no Pro Bowls.
The Chiefs, however, probably didn’t overpay for Karlaftis. The 24-year-old could be an ascending player after recording 24.5 sacks in his first three seasons with the team.
In his annual position rankings survey, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler didn’t list Karlaftis in his top 10, but the two-time Super Bowl champion received an honorable mention.
“Quick off the ball, has very good hand usage and mixes moves very well. He’s always destructive in the run game,” an NFC executive said of Karlaftis, according to Fowler.
The Chiefs ranked 15th in points scored last season (22.6). Their offense could continue to underwhelm during the 2025 season.
Kansas City took Ohio State offensive tackle Josh Simmons (pick No. 32) in the 2025 NFL Draft, but their offensive line still seems shaky. Per Pro Football Reference, the Chiefs tied for fourth in the league in pressures allowed (163) last season.
Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, who turns 36 on Oct. 5, may be slowing. He had three touchdown catches in 16 regular-season games last season, his fewest since his rookie season in 2013.
To rebound from a 40-22 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LIX, the Chiefs need their defense to be stellar again. Keeping Karlaftis should help the unit remain among the league’s best.
