A Star is Leaving the Chiefs: $60 Million Player Could Be Heading to a Division Rival

The Kansas City Chiefs have a few key players set to hit free agency this offseason, including linebacker Nick Bolton. The 24-year-old has been a pivotal piece to the team’s defense over the last few years and is one of the better defenders on the market.

 

 

Though general manager Brett Veach wants to retain Bolton, NJ.com’s Scott Engel predicts the star linebacker will depart Kansas City for the Las Vegas Raiders.

“Carroll might also opt for a new quarterback for his defense, and Pro Football Focus does mention Las Vegas as an ideal destination. Washington could also be in the mix here to locate a replacement for surefire Hall of Famer Bobby Wagner,” Engel wrote.

Bolton has been a difference-maker for the Chiefs since entering the league in 2021, as the former second-round pick has totaled over 100 tackles in three of his first four seasons and has been the captain of the defense.

Las Vegas should look to add Bolton to the defense, as the former Missouri standout’s aggressive playstyle and championship experience would take Patrick Graham’s unit to the next level.

Signing Bolton won’t be cheap, as Spotrac projects the two-time Super Bowl will land a four-year deal worth $49 million on the open market, which averages to $12.3 million annually. Pro Football Focus believes Bolton will receive a $60 million contract over four seasons with $40 million guaranteed and $15 million per year.

Las Vegas is slated to have around $99 million in cap space, which should be plenty of money to sign Bolton and address other pressing needs. General manager John Spytek should also bring back Robert Spillane, who started all 17 games for the Raiders at linebacker in 2023 and 2024 and is also set to hit free agency, to pair with Bolton.

Overall, Las Vegas must elevate its defense this offseason to compete for a playoff spot in the AFC. Signing Bolton would add an impact player to the group and also weaken a formidable division rival.