The future of Nick Bolton with the Kansas City Chiefs is looking uncertain following significant roster changes. The team has made several moves that could impact Bolton’s position, including placing a franchise tag on fellow player Trey Smith and trading away guard Joe Thuney.
Recent Chiefs Moves Raise Questions
On February 28, 2025, the Kansas City Chiefs decided to place a non-exclusive franchise tag on Trey Smith, a move aimed at securing their offensive lineman for another season. Shortly after, on March 5, 2025, they traded veteran Joe Thuney to the Chicago Bears, which left many fans wondering how this would affect the overall team dynamics. These changes have created a ripple effect on the Chiefs’ roster and have raised eyebrows about Bolton’s future with the team.
Impact of Eagles’ Contract with Zack Baun
Complicating matters further, the Philadelphia Eagles recently signed linebacker Zack Baun to a lucrative three-year, $51 million contract, leading to discussions about the rising value of linebackers in the league. As Bolton’s potential contract comes in at a projected four-year deal worth $49.25 million, the Chiefs may face challenges in keeping him due to these escalating salary expectations in the league.
Bolton’s Performance and Value
Nick Bolton has consistently proven himself as a valuable player since joining the Chiefs. Over his four seasons, he has made a significant number of tackles and demonstrated a strong capability in key defensive plays. His performance statistics highlight his worthiness of a more substantial contract, potentially exceeding what the Chiefs can provide. Many believe he deserves this increased recognition given his track record.
Future Possibilities
Considering the Chiefs’ current salary situation, there is growing speculation that Bolton might explore free agency as other teams look to enhance their defensive lineups. The Dallas Cowboys have emerged as a likely destination for Bolton, particularly since they recently restructured contracts for players like Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb to create additional cap space. This opens the door for Bolton to fill a significant need at inside linebacker for the Cowboys, who struggled defensively last season.
Current Teams Interested
Several teams, including the Cowboys and the Las Vegas Raiders, have an eye on Bolton as a potential key addition to their rosters. The Raiders, for instance, might look to sign him if they don’t re-sign Robert Spillane, which highlights Bolton’s ability to fulfill an essential role in various defensive schemes. His knack for tackling and reading plays quickly could be just what these teams need to strengthen their defenses.
| Team | Potential Contract | Need |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas City Chiefs | 4-year, $49.25 million | Defensive Stability |
| Dallas Cowboys | Varied | Inside Linebacker |
| Las Vegas Raiders | Varied | Run-Stuffing Linebacker |
What Fans Can Expect
As the clock ticks down to the conclusion of free agency, Chiefs fans will be watching closely to see what decisions the team makes regarding Nick Bolton. His impressive career statistics may just be the key to securing a deal that benefits both him and the team. As more roster changes unfold in the league, Bolton’s fate will continue to generate buzz and speculation among fans and analysts alike.
