Kansas City chiefs gave young linebacker Nick Bolton a very generous early birthday present on Sunday.
Bolton, who turned 25 on Monday, reportedly agreed to a three-year, $45 million deal, including $30 million, fully guaranteed at the time of signing. Adam Schefter from ESPN.
Bolton was set up as a free agency after his rookie contract rose after four seasons with the Chiefs. However, Kansas City didn't let him touch the market, realizing how important the middle linebackers were to their defensive success.
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Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Nick Bolton will win the field before the Super Bowl LIX against the Philadelphia Eagles in New Orleans. (Kirby Lee-Imagn image)
This is the trend that Kansas City has entered the offseason following a severe loss to the Philadelphia Eagles at Super Bowl LIX. They held the talent needed for the roster and had set up free agency. Guard Trey Smith is attacked by a franchise tag and pins him to the offensive line.
The Chiefs also brought a wide range of receiver marquises over “Hollywood” browns into the one-year agreement.
Speaking of the Eagles, their stud linebacker Zack Boun has also been signed to a lucrative long-term extension to make sure he is not a free agent. Secondly, top middle linebackers who are expected to compete in the market remain in their respective franchises.
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It makes sense that the Chief decided that Bolton was a priority before the legal tampering period began on Monday.
Bolton, 2nd pick from Missouri 2021 NFL Drafta defensive staple in Steve Spagnuolo's scheme, totaling 458 tackles and five sacks so far through 57 career regular season games.
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Devonta Smith will face Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Nick Bolton in the Super Bowl LIX. (Mark J. Rebilas-Immagn image)
Last season, Bolton lost 106 tackles, three bags, six passes, one forced fumble, one interception and 11 tackles.
And just two seasons ago – he only played eight games in 2023 due to injuries – Bolton had defended over 17 games of 180 tackles, two sacks, one forced fumble, two interceptions and three passes.
That season also marked his first Super Bowl victory. He hurt Eagles quarterback Jalen and made a game-changing play when he ran a fumble recovery for a touchdown.
Then, during the Chiefs' consecutive Super Bowl runs, Bolton led the team with 40 combined tackles, eventually defending the title by winning the San Francisco 49ers in overtime.
Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Nick Bolton will face the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LIX. (Mark J. Rebilas-Immagn image)
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Just four years after the NFL, Bolton marked him as one of the best young linebackers in the game, having the ability to rush passersby, stop running and stand by the sidelines to make tackles.
The deal will allow the Chiefs to sign Bolton throughout the 2027 season.
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