The Kansas City Chiefs are coming off a disappointing showing in Super Bowl LIX against the Philadelphia Eagles. There is work yet to be done for them to return to their previous heights. Part of the Chiefs’ plan included retaining linebacker Nick Bolton in free agency. Bolton, 25, was set to be a premier free agent.
Instead, he returns to Kansas City and the Chiefs on a three-year, $45 million contract. The deal includes $30 million guaranteed, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
The decision went over very well with Chiefs defensive lineman Chris Jones.
Chris Jones Sends 2-Word Message After Chiefs Re-Sign Nick Bolton
Chiefs’ Decision Well-Received by Chris Jones
“Let’s gooooooo!” Jones posted on X on March 9 in reaction to the news his Super Bowl champion teammate was returning, quoting a post that featured a graphic of Bolton.
Bolton recorded 100-plus tackles for the third time in four seasons. He finished the 2024 regular campaign with 106 total stops, 11 tackles for loss, 6 pass deflections, 3.0 sacks, 2 fumble recoveries, 1 forced, and 1 interception.
Since entering the league, Bolton ranks 19th in combined tackles and 16th in solos.
The Chiefs traded guard Joe Thuney. However, they have also re-signed wide receiver Marquise Brown (this offseason) and extended Jones last offseason.
Nick Bolton Beats Projected AAV on New Chiefs Contract
A second-round pick (No. 58 overall) by the Chiefs in the 2021 NFL Draft, Bolton was on a four-year, $5.8 million rookie-scale contract. More than just a raise, Bolton’s new deal with the Chiefs beats the four-year, $49 million pact Spotrac projected for him entering free agency.
Bolton also outdid The Athletic’s forecast for him.
The Athletic’s Davis DeChant, Jourdan Rodrigue, and Vic Tafur (fittingly) ranked Bolton the No. 32 overall free agent and LB4 heading into the offseason.
“Bolton has physical limitations — he’s sawed-off (5-foot-11 with arms under 32 inches) and lacks overpowering strength or blazing speed — but he’s still above average in several areas. He’s been a key piece in Steve Spagnuolo’s complex disguises and pressure schemes, whether as a blitzer, QB spy, zone dropper or man-to-man cover defender. He has good instincts, including awareness in coverage that compensates for his lack of speed and length, and is an excellent tackler in space,” The Athletic’s staff wrote in February.
“The top of the linebacker market is sparse, with three players making at least $18 million annually and no others over $14.2 million. Bolton should reach eight figures, though he might not top Patrick Queen’s three-year, $41 million deal signed last spring.”
Bolton and Jones are two foundational pieces for the Chiefs, and both are secured for years to come.
Chiefs Deliver Blow to AFC West Rival’s Offseason Hopes
Bolton’s re-signing will have a ripple effect across the league. It takes one of the top options off the board before the legal tampering period begins on Monday, March 10. It may have even been a striking blow to their AFC West rival, the Denver Broncos.
“From talking to sources, the Broncos had real interest in signing Nick Bolton if he fit free agency,” DNVR Broncos’ Zac Stevens reported on X on March 10.
“This one is tough for the Broncos.”
“Welp. Another option for Broncos ILB need off the table,” 9News’ Mike Klis posted on X on March 9. “First,[Zack] Baun ($17m per) then Bolton ($15m). Still a few good ones available. [Dre] Greenlaw, [Robert] Spillane, [Jamien] Sherwood. But two biggies stay put.”
The Chiefs can celebrate this move that helps fuel their march for 2025.
Main Photo: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
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