Chiefs DE George Karlaftis takes a clear stance on his contract desires after Kansas City picked up his fifth-year option

Kansas City Chiefs DE George Karlaftis made his long-term contract desires known after the team picked up his fifth-year option just weeks ago.

A former 2022 first-round draft pick alongside Trent McDuffie, Karlaftis has quietly been a massive part of the Chiefs' pass-rushing attack since entering the league. Each year, he's built upon the last, adding more sacks and pressures, while taking some heat off Chris Jones by taking advantage of 1-on-1 matchups. 

With Karlaftis under contract through the 2026 NFL season due to the fifth-year option, he made it known at OTAs that he desires a long-term contract extension in Kansas City. 

"Yeah, you know, I'll let whoever handles that handle that," Karlaftis said. "But I'd like to be here as long as I can. You know, my now fiancée and I absolutely love Kansas City and love this organization, so, you know, I'll let whoever is to handle that handle that, but I love it here." 

Karlaftis will let the powers that be make the decisions regarding contract extensions and will not put much more thought into it. His job is to play football, while his agents will work with the Chiefs' front office to come to an agreement on a deal if one is to be made.

Chiefs DE George Karlaftis is not concerning himself with the 'underrated' label

Karlaftis recently earned recognition from ESPN analytics as one of the NFL's 32 most underrated players. When asked about the assessment, Karlaftis made it clear that he doesn't care about labels like that. The only thing that matters to him is how he's viewed by those within the building in Kansas City. 

"I don't need to prove anything to anybody other than the people in this building," Karlaftis said. "That's how I feel. Coach (Joe) Cullen, Coach Spags (Steve Spagnuolo), Coach (Andy) Reid, my teammates, you know, I got their back just like they got mine, and I try to put my best foot forward every day to get better and do what I can on the field. And whatever recognitions to come, it'll come. (I'm) not really worried about that at all. I love this team. I have a lot of fun playing here, and it's a blessing of a lifetime, truly, to be a part of this."

With that attitude, it's no surprise that he's willing to let things work themselves out regarding his contract situation. Karlaftis knows that so long as he's accountable to his coaches and teammates, good things will happen and he'll be rewarded accordingly.