George Karlaftis is sticking around in Kansas City. The Chiefs exercised Karlaftis' fifth-year option, per ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, meaning he'll be under contract through the 2026 season unless the two sides agree to a long-term extension before then. Karlaftis will earn $15.2 million in 2026 on his fifth-year option.

The Kansas City Chiefs exercised their fifth-year options on cornerback Trent McDuffie and pass rusher George Karlaftis, two of the young pillars of a defense that has helped them reach three consecutive Super Bowls.

The Kansas City Chiefs will be keeping two important defenders around for at least another year. The Chiefs plan to pick up the fifth-year options on the rookie contracts of cornerback Trent McDuffie and edge rusher George Karlaftis,