The Kansas City Chiefs were somewhat able to excuse the lack of production from defensive end George Karlaftis a season ago due to a lingering hand injury. However, it seems the defender is healthy through the first two weeks of the year and still isn't delivering up to expectations. Two games in, the veteran has eight total tackles and not a single sack.
No question, the Chiefs deserve more from a player who is being paid as a top option on the current roster. Karlaftis was handed a four-year contract extension worth a max value of $93 million, making it clear that the Chiefs were expecting top production from the former first-round pick. And not just for this season, but years to come down the line.
If last season's underwhelming performance wasn't stacked alongside the two starts this season, it would be far less damaging. Pressure was already turned up higher based on last season's injury and the 6.0 sacks the defender was limited to. Over the previous two seasons, Karlaftis combined for 18.5 sacks and was a constant presence in the backfield. He was also a massive success in multiple Chiefs playoff series, racking up a near franchise-record number of sacks in postseason play.
Chiefs have reason for concern that George Karlaftis might be overpaid after slow start
Karlaftis has never been the flashiest of players when it comes to speed and burst off the line. But what made him special what his grit, determination and dogged effort to compete on every play. It's why Kansas City and Brett Veach decided that Karlaftis would be the lone 2022 draft pick to be extended long-term.
His late-game pressure versus the Indianapolis Colts on Daniel Jones was nice to see and hoepfully a sign of better things to comes and numbers to start matching his effort on the field.
“I think we saved the best rush for the last one when George put him on his back.”#Chiefs DL coach Joe Cullen
— SleeperChiefs (@SleeperChiefsKC) September 24, 2026
🎥 via @Chiefs pic.twitter.com/CULogxw9v2
No question, Kansas City has to demand more of the veteran. The contract demands it. And starting next year, Karlaftis' cap hits will rise to roughly $17 million and then two straight years of $24-plus million. In a league focused on what you've done most recently, excuses are kept to a minimum.
George Karlaftis has the mental make-up to know that he needs to start notching his game up a level. It will be interesting to watch whether or not this continues in the third game of the season or if the veteran is able to deliver under pressure. Another underwhelming performance and there will begin to be real questions asked.
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