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 Chiefs have made a move to retain two of their key defensive players around. Per Jeremy Fowler of ESPN, Kansas City is picking up the fifth-year options for cornerback Trent McDuffie and defensive end George Karlaftis.