The Kansas City Chiefs gave George Karlaftis a four-year, $88 million contract with nearly $62 million guaranteed. Expectations were high for him, but so far, he hasn't necessarily lived up to that lucrative deal.
That's why, even though the Chiefs haven't added anyone to compete with him or help him at the position, they might still use one of their two first-round picks to add another pass rusher. Clearly, they can't bank all their hopes on him stepping up in 2026.
George Karlaftis Should be on Thin Ice Next Season
Karlaftis broke out with 10.5 sacks in his second year in the league, and it seemed that he was going to step up as one of the best headhunters in the game. From that day, he's combined to record 14.0 sacks, including 6.0 last season.
The Chiefs' pass rush unit wasn't that impressive as a whole. Even Chris Jones struggled to make his usual impact, so perhaps that shouldn't be entirely on him. That said, he's a starter on the field for major snaps and making big bucks, and he fell short of expectations.
All in all, Karlaftis registered 48 total tackles (25 solo), along with 10 tackles for loss, 23 QB hits, one fumble recovery, and two passes defensed. Those numbers aren't necessarily terrible, but again, it takes more to stand out in a championship-caliber defense.
On the bright side, Karlaftis registered the eleventh-most pressures among pass rushers last season (66), according to Pro Football Focus. However, his inability to finish plays, get down on the quarterback, and get sacks was frustrating to watch at times.
The Chiefs have been tied to multiple pass rushers in the past couple of weeks. While they may not get David Bailey at No. 9 and are unlikely to trade up, Rueben Bain Jr. might slip right into their laps, or they could target someone like Zion Young, Cashius Howell, or T.J. Parker later.
Whatever the case, it's hard to envision any scenario in which the Chiefs won't use one of their first three selections to bolster the pass-rushing unit, and that should put some pressure on Karlaftis to prove that there's no need to replace him.
The Chiefs need to be at their best to return to the mountaintop after the most disappointing season of the Patrick Mahomes era. As such, veterans with big contracts will be under more pressure than ever. Whoever struggles should be benched, regardless of how much money they're making.
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