KANSAS CITY, Mo. — In a significant move to solidify their defensive lineup, the Kansas City Chiefs and linebacker Nick Bolton have finalized a three-year contract valued at $45 million, ensuring that the pivotal defensive player remains with the team beyond the upcoming free agency period. Details of the contract have been disclosed by an individual privy to the negotiations, although official announcements are yet to be made public.
Nick Bolton, a 24-year-old standout, was drafted by the Chiefs in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft, emerging from the University of Missouri. Hailing from Texas, Bolton has become a homegrown talent in the Chiefs’ roster. Over his four-year tenure with the team, Bolton started 53 out of 57 regular-season games, contributing significantly to the Chiefs’ success, which includes two Super Bowl championships and another season reaching the championship game.
The pinnacle of Bolton’s performance so far was during the 2022 season, where he recorded 180 tackles in 17 games and intercepted two passes, playing a crucial role in the team’s victory over the Eagles in the Super Bowl. Despite being hampered by injuries that restricted him to eight games in previous seasons, Bolton bounced back last year, playing in 16 games and registering 106 tackles, one interception, and a personal best of three sacks.
Bolton’s contribution is not limited to his on-field prowess, as the Chiefs highly regard his intelligence and playmaking skills within the complex defensive schemes of coordinator Steve Spagnuolo. As the wearer of the helmet equipped with a radio, Bolton is responsible for aligning the defense as per the coaching staff’s directives.
In anticipation of the free agency period, the Chiefs have been proactively managing their roster and salary cap. Recently, they traded revered offensive guard Joe Thuney to the Chicago Bears in exchange for a fourth-round draft pick in 2026. This strategic move was aimed at creating $16 million in salary cap space, facilitating the re-signing of key players like Bolton and addressing other squad requirements.
Additionally, the Chiefs have designated Pro Bowl offensive guard Trey Smith with the franchise tag, committing to a $23.4 million salary for the upcoming season unless a long-term agreement is reached. Funds from Thuney’s contract savings could be utilized to negotiate an extension for the 25-year-old Smith.
Furthermore, the Chiefs have extended their agreement with wide receiver Marquise Brown, offering an $11 million contract for the next season. Brown, who had an arduous past season due to a dislocated shoulder, managed to recover in time for the latter part of the regular season, though his impact was limited due to the injury.
Moving forward, the Chiefs recognize the need to fill a critical gap at the left tackle position, which they intend to address in the forthcoming NFL draft. Additional reinforcements at wide receiver and on the defensive line are also under consideration as they refine their strategy for another ambitious Super Bowl campaign.