As Chiefs camp opens for the 2024 season, George Karlaftis gets a $93M deal while Andy Reid addresses the Rashee Rice situation. Get the latest updates.
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
The calm before the storm of training camp is officially over. As the Kansas City Chiefs reported to Missouri Western State University on Monday, the day was defined by two massive, yet starkly contrasting, storylines. On one hand, celebration, as defensive end George Karlaftis inked a massive $93 million extension. On the other, continued uncertainty, as Head Coach Andy Reid addressed the complex situation surrounding wide receiver Rashee Rice.
He’s a heck of a player and he’s done a great job here, and he’s profiting from that. And our team has profited from him being around. So it’s a win-win.
General Manager Brett Veach is making it a habit to secure the team's core talent. A week after extending guard Trey Smith, Veach locked down defensive end George Karlaftis with a four-year, $93 million contract extension, including a hefty $62 million in guaranteed money. The deal keeps the 2022 first-round pick in Kansas City through the 2030 season. Karlaftis has been a vital piece of the defensive line, racking up 8 sacks last season and a career-high 10.5 the year prior en route to three straight Super Bowl appearances. Coach Reid couldn't have been happier, calling the deal a 'win-win' for both the player and the team. With a key pass rusher secured for the long haul, the Chiefs' defense has a foundational piece to build around for years to come.
While the defense celebrated, the offense faced lingering questions. Coach Reid confirmed that the team is 'proceeding as normal' with receiver Rashee Rice, despite his significant off-field issues. Rice, who recently pleaded guilty to two third-degree felony charges and was sentenced to 30 days in jail and five years probation, is also returning from an LCL injury suffered last season. Reid's plan means Rice will take his full share of reps at the start of camp. This is likely a strategic move to get him as much work as possible before an anticipated NFL suspension comes down. It's a delicate balancing act for the Chiefs, who need Rice's talent on the field but must navigate the serious reality of his legal situation and pending league discipline.
Beyond the headlines, Monday marked the official start of the grind. Players reported to Missouri Western State University, ready to begin the quest for an unprecedented third consecutive Super Bowl title. The real action begins for fans on July 22, when public practices kick off and run through August 15. This is where the foundation for the season is laid, where position battles are won and lost, and where stars like Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce begin to hone their craft for the 2025 campaign. For Chiefs Kingdom, it's the first chance to see the new-look squad up close and feel the excitement build for what lies ahead.
With contracts settled and difficult questions addressed, the focus now shifts squarely to the field. The first open practice on Tuesday will offer the first glimpse of a motivated defense led by a newly paid Karlaftis and an offense working through its complexities. The journey to the 2025 season has officially begun, and every rep from here on out matters.
