Analyzing the financial impact of the KC Chiefs draft class

Round 1 – George Karlaftis, defensive end

Beyond the much-needed talent infusion at a glaring position of need, it’s important to note that defensive end George Karlaftis is only pulling in $11.9M over the next four full seasons from the Chiefs.

When you consider that even a good free agent will receive at least that much annually, Karlaftis represents a potential for a cost-controlled anchor where it matters most.

When you think about the team’s likely direction in next year’s draft, there are likely more savings to come here. At present, the Chiefs have Frank Clark on the other side locking down the edge role, but he restructured his contract to stay one more season. It’s hard to see that turning into 2023, too. Moving forward, the Chiefs are likely to focus on another pass rusher early in next year’s draft, which could give them a loaded tandem for pennies on the dollar.

Important side note: Chiefs fans likely have forgotten about the bonus known as a fifth-year option for first-round picks given how few of their own first-rounders have been used as intended in Brett Veach’s tenure. However, Karlaftis and McDufffie are both first-round picks, which will give the Chiefs a chance to maintain control over each player in 2026. The cost will be considerably higher than what either player is making now, but if either/both turn into true impact players as hoped, it will still give the Chiefs considerable savings.