Not that there's any real question that the leaders atop the Kansas City Chiefs' pyramid of decision-making are in lockstep with one another, but head coach Andy Reid gave a heartfelt thumbs up when asked about the most recent round of contract extensions.
The Chiefs are currently in St. Joseph, Missouri for the first days of their annual training camp at Missouri Western State University. Reid spoke to reporters upon arrival to give an update on a number of topics before taking questions, largely around the lucrative new deals given to offensive lineman Trey Smith and defensive end George Karlaftis.
On the July 15 deadline to get a deal done with franchise-tagged players, the Chiefs officially made Smith the highest-paid guard in the game of football. The four-year deal is worth up to $94 million with $70M in practical guarantees.
Andy Reid is a big fan of the Kansas City Chiefs' latest round of contract extensions.
When asked about Smith, Reid not only approved of the deal but was also overjoyed for the player himself as a former late-round pick who had dealt with medical concerns coming into the league. It's a well-deserved reward for a player who "brings it every game," according to Reid.
"Sixth round pick, came in with the lung situation and the blood clots, and was able to work through that. It's a great thing," said Reid, "that he was able to work through that just for his overall health, football or no football, but to be able to come in and play at the level that he's played at and that toughness that he brings with it. He's an aggressive personality on the field, teddy bear off the field, but aggressive personality on the field, man."
Karlaftis is a former first-round pick who has done all the right things since he arrived in K.C. in 2022. Rumors were churning that the former Purdue product was next in line for a deal, and the Chiefs got a four-year deal done just five days after Smith's extension was announced. Karlaftis' deal keeps him in Kansas City through 2030.
Reid had plenty of praise for Karlaftis, who is still only 24 years old, and everything he brings to the team. "He's a heck of a player, and he's done a great job here, and he's profiting from that, and our team also is profiting from him being around, so it's a win-win there."
"He's a relentless player," added Reid. "I mean, that's what you get with George. He's smart, relentless. You can trust and know he's reliable. You can trust that he's going to be there and do the right things and go 100 miles an hour doing them. So [he's] very well respected that way."
After an offseason of questions about Travis Kelce's future and trading Joe Thuney, the Chiefs have now identified and retained two of their organizational pillars for the next leg of their dynastic journey. Another extension or two is likely in the works, but Reid and the rest of Chiefs Kingdom should be glad to see these two cemented in place.