The Kansas City Chiefs have locked down one of their defensive cornerstones, Nick Bolton, just before he could test the waters of free agency. The 24-year-old linebacker, who turns 25 tomorrow, has reportedly inked a three-year, $45 million extension, which includes a hefty $30 million fully guaranteed at signing, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Talk about an early birthday gift!

Bolton, a second-round pick out of Missouri in 2021, was set to hit free agency after his rookie contract ended. But the Chiefs clearly weren’t willing to risk losing a player who has become a key cog in their defensive machine. Bolton’s ability to dominate the middle of the field has made him indispensable in Steve Spagnuolo’s defensive scheme.

This extension is part of a larger pattern for the Chiefs this offseason. After their crushing loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LIX, Kansas City has been busy retaining crucial talent. Guard Trey Smith was secured with a franchise tag, and wide receiver Marquise "Hollywood" Brown was brought back on a one-year deal. Clearly, the Chiefs are focused on keeping their core intact and avoiding any unnecessary roster shake-ups.

Bolton has proven his worth on the field time and time again. In just four NFL seasons, he has racked up 458 combined tackles and five sacks across 57 career games. This includes standout performances like his 2022 season, where he recorded a jaw-dropping 180 tackles, two sacks, one forced fumble, and two interceptions in 17 games. Oh, and let’s not forget his game-changing Super Bowl moment when he strip-sacked Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts and returned the fumble for a touchdown. That play alone cemented his place in Chiefs lore.

However, Bolton’s 2023 season was cut short due to injury, limiting him to just eight games. Despite this setback, he still managed to shine, logging 106 combined tackles, three sacks, and six passes defended. His presence was sorely missed during those games he couldn’t play, underscoring how critical he is to Kansas City’s success.

Looking ahead, this new deal keeps Bolton in Kansas City through the 2027 season. With his rare ability to rush the passer, stop the run, and cover sideline-to-sideline, he remains one of the most versatile and impactful young linebackers in the league. In today’s NFL, where defenses need to be as dynamic as offenses, players like Bolton are worth their weight in gold.

The Chiefs’ decision to prioritize Bolton before the legal tampering period begins on Monday is a no-brainer. Keeping a player of his caliber ensures that Kansas City’s defense remains formidable, even as other teams scramble to fill gaps during free agency.

Nick Bolton News

Chiefs Secure Nick Bolton with 3-Year Extension Just Before Free Agency