The Kansas City Chiefs are on the cusp of the first three-peat in NFL history. Their dynasty has been led by Patrick Mahomes, but they could lose one of their key defensive stars this offseason.
Nick Bolton’s rookie deal will end after the Super Bowl and he could be a hot name in free agency. Spotrac projects Bolton to sign a four-year, $49 million deal this offseason. PFF’s Jonathan Macri named the Los Angeles Rams as an “ideal” landing spot for the Chiefs star.
“The Rams linebacker situation wasn’t pretty in 2024, creating an obvious need for stability and experience at the position,” wrote Macri. “Bolton has been a key piece of the Kansas City Chiefs defense over the past four years and could be one of the top free-agent linebackers to hit the market because of that success. He’ll likely command one of the bigger contracts this offseason.”
Bolton started 16 games this season and has started 53 games for the Chiefs in four seasons. He is a two-time Super Bowl champion and has been a consistent playoff producer as well. Last postseason he led the league in playoff tackles. In 2022 he had a fumble recovery for a touchdown in the Super Bowl.
He has one interception and a team-leading 106 tackles this season. Bolton has four interceptions, 15 passes defended, five sacks and 458 tackles in his career. Losing him would be a big blow for the Chiefs. However, he could step in and immediately be the Rams’ best linebacker and help take their defense to new heights.