Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid are the most-feared quarterback-head coach duo in the NFL. However, the Kansas City Chiefs know they need more than that to contend for Super Bowl rings. That’s why they just signed one of the roster’s key pieces to a four-year, $93 million deal.
Defense is very important in football. While it might not be attractive, the saying says it best: defense wins championships. That’s why Kansas City splashed the cash to secure the services of defensive end George Karlaftis for four more years. Out of the $93 million, $62 million come guaranteed, according to Ian Rapoport’s report.
Karlaftis has been one of the most productive players for the Kansas City Chiefs defense. His first three years have been pretty successful. He’s racked up 24.5 sacks, 15 passes defended and 56 QB hits. This extension is very well-deserved.
Karlaftis is the half of a feared duo
While Karlaftis is terrorizing opposing tackles, there is another presence putting fear into the interior of offensive lines. You might recognize the name Chris Jones. The Chiefs defensive tackle has a Hall of Fame career and he is also a name who disrupts offenses.
Defensive end George Karlaftis #56 of the Kansas City Chiefs in action during the game against the Denver Broncos at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on November 10, 2024 in Kansas City,
While Karlaftis is on the early stages of his career, Jones is in his prime. Jones is a 6x Pro Bowler, three time first-team All-Pro and has 80.5 sacks in nine years as a pro. Since they have played together, Jones and Karlaftis have combined for 55.5 sacks, and 134 QB hits. No signal-caller is safe against Kansas City.
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The Chiefs know what it takes to win
The Patrick Mahomes’ era has focused on how good he is and his chemistry with Travis Kelce, and Andy Reid‘s playbook, coaching, etc. The reality is that the Chiefs know better. To succeed in the NFL, you need to play defense, even if the offense is taking all the credit.
That’s why the Chiefs are splashing money into their defensive studs. Not only that, but the team also acknowledges their last few seasons have been, in a certain way, carried by their elite defense. Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo is one of the best in the business, and he has molded the unit to be one that makes key plays when needed the most. Karlaftis and Jones are the first men on the battleline and now, with this contract extension, it will stay that way for the foreseeable future.
