The Kansas City Chiefs are making headlines this offseason with some major player moves and shocking shifts! The 2022 draft class, once seen as the future of the team, has nearly disappeared in just one offseason! Here’s everything you need to know:
The Last One Standing: George Karlaftis
The Kansas City Chiefs have officially said goodbye to Leo Chenal, who has signed a lucrative three-year, $24.75M contract with the Washington Commanders. Chenal’s departure marks a significant turning point, as he becomes the 8th player to leave the Chiefs from the 2022 draft class. That leaves just George Karlaftis standing strong as the sole survivor of Brett Veach’s 2022 NFL Draft class.
Karlaftis, the Chiefs’ standout defensive end, has just signed a four-year, $88 million deal to stay with Kansas City, making him the only player from that draft class still under contract with the team. Compared to the astronomical figures some other edge rushers have been receiving this offseason, Karlaftis’ contract now looks like a steal!
Creed Humphrey’s Title as Highest-Paid Center Stripped!
In more shocking news, Creed Humphrey, the star center who had previously been the highest-paid player at his position, has just seen his reign come to an end. The Las Vegas Raiders swooped in and signed Tyler Linderbaum from the Baltimore Ravens to a three-year, $81 million deal, making him the new highest-paid center in the NFL with a stunning $27 million per year.
While Humphrey’s contract now seems like a bargain at $18 million per season, the contract numbers are now being reset, and other centers could soon leap over Humphrey’s annual salary, making the position a hot topic for contract negotiations across the league.
Chiefs’ Failed Push for Jermaine Eluemunor
Despite a strong push from the Kansas City Chiefs, GM Brett Veach was ultimately unable to lure Jermaine Eluemunor, one of the top right tackles available in free agency, away from his current team. Eluemunor opted to re-sign with the New York Giants on day one of free agency, turning down offers from the Chiefs and Cleveland Browns.
This was a critical miss for Kansas City, as the team was hoping to bolster their offensive line and secure another crucial piece for their Super Bowl aspirations. Despite this setback, the Chiefs’ front office will have to regroup and adjust their focus on other potential targets moving forward.
Isiah Pacheco Moving On to Detroit
Isiah Pacheco has found a new home with the Detroit Lions, leaving the Chiefs behind after an impressive 2023 season. Pacheco, drafted in the seventh round of the 2022 NFL Draft, stepped up during his rookie season, ultimately replacing Clyde Edwards-Helaire as the Chiefs’ starting running back. He had a career year in 2023 with 935 rushing yards and seven touchdowns, adding another 244 receiving yards and two touchdowns. In total, Pacheco leaves the Chiefs with 3,091 all-purpose yards and 17 total touchdowns.
The Lions are getting an explosive, versatile back who has proven himself on the biggest stage. With Detroit’s own running back situation in flux following the trade of David Montgomery to the Houston Texans, Pacheco could quickly carve out a starring role in their backfield.
Kenneth Walker III Joins the Chiefs
But don’t worry, Chiefs fans — the team has already moved to fill Pacheco’s shoes! Kansas City made a bold move by signing former Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III to a three-year deal. Walker, who has shown plenty of promise during his first few years in the NFL, is expected to be a major contributor to the Chiefs’ offense in the coming seasons.
Chiefs Reset, Not Rebuild?
Despite these significant moves, some are questioning whether the Kansas City Chiefs are undergoing a mini rebuild after missing the playoffs for the first time since 2014. However, with moves like the re-signing of George Karlaftis and the acquisition of Kenneth Walker III, it seems more likely that Kansas City is simply reloading for another championship run rather than embarking on a full rebuild.
This offseason has been full of surprises, and with Patrick Mahomes still leading the team and the Chiefs’ front office remaining aggressive in free agency, Kansas City is clearly committed to staying competitive in the AFC West.
Can the Chiefs recover from their offseason shakeups and compete for a fourth Lombardi Trophy in five years? 🏆
Stay tuned as the Chiefs continue to make waves in the NFL offseason.
