Despite picking up his fifth-year option, the Kansas City Chiefs could trade defensive star George Karlaftis before the 2025 regular season. According to Bleacher Report, they believe Karlaftis is one of their best trade assets, and if that happens, it wouldn’t be too surprising, even though he’s coming off his best season in his entire career. Originally selected in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft, the former Purdue product became a key contributor to the Chiefs winning back-to-back Super Bowls, recording almost 25 sacks, two fumble recoveries and 115 total tackles through three seasons. This year didn’t go as anticipated, but the Chiefs couldn’t compensate for a new contract for Karlaftis, which is why they at least have him through the 2026 campaign.
However, general manager Brett Veach never fails to draft and get reliable answers for the many holes that they may have for the roster. Being that, the Chiefs will be fine as long as quarterback Patrick Mahomes and head coach Andy Reid are around for the next ten years. They’ve just got two promising tackles that could fortify their offense, and the same can be done on the defense. After re-signing Charles Omenihu on a one-year deal, they have a lot of depth on the defensive line to help Chris Jones get after the quarterbacks.
The Chiefs might take a hit when losing Karlaftis, but after the recent trade of prominent cornerback L’Jarius Sneed, they were fine with Trent McDuffie emerging, and it did pay off. While trading Karlaftis is a stretch, it’s not entirely impossible, and these four teams could take advantage.
Report: Chiefs Could Trade Prominent Star George Karlaftis – 4 Suitors Emerge
Potential Destinations
Washington Commanders
This would be a sensational change for the defense if they can pull off a Karlaftis trade. While they lost Dante Fowler Jr., they were able to sign Deatrich Wise for at least some relief. Karlaftis is way more than the better answer in this situation and would raise the spirits for a dangerous linebacker core group that they already have in Frankie Luvu and Bobby Wagner. Karlaftis would be the piece that gets them to their first Super Bowl in more than a decade.
New Orleans Saints
Meanwhile, the Saints will need to rely on their defense to win all of their games this season. Despite hiring head coach Kellen Moore, he won’t be able to mentor and rebuild this entire offense from scratch in one year while Tyler Shough and Spencer Rattler battle it out for the starting job. They did trade and sign some key contributors like Davon Godchaux, and since Cameron Jordan is aging, general manager Mickey Loomis could figure out a way to pinch more pennies to get Karlaftis in New Orleans as their long-term answer in the trenches unit.
Carolina Panthers
However, the Panthers themselves made a few powerful moves on defense after spending back-to-back offseasons rebuilding the offense for quarterback Bryce Young. Tershawn Wharton, coming in, brings capable relief in the middle, but they still need another defensive lineman to fortify this roster. Karlaftis could complete the package and make a smoother transition for Derrick Brown’s return.
Chicago Bears
Just like the Commanders, the Chicago Bears could catch a lot of insiders by surprise in terms of the outcome of the season this year. After bolstering the offensive line for quarterback Caleb Williams, they were not shy about improving the trenches. Since they signed Grady Jarrett and Dayo Odeyingbo, they could use one more explosive defensive lineman as the last crown jewel piece. Karlaftis and Montez Sweat teaming up as a duo could make shockwaves across the league.
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