The Kansas City Chiefs made a big move on Sunday, re-signing starting linebacker Nick Bolton on a three-year, $45 million deal with $30 million fully guaranteed.
Bolton has been with the Chiefs since entering the league as the No. 58 overall pick in the 2021 draft. Through 16 regular-season games in 2024, the two-time Super Bowl champion recorded a team-leading 106 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, 3.0 sacks, six passes defended, one interception and one forced fumble.
Bolton is a key contributor for Steve Spagnuolo’s defense, leading the team in tackles in three of his four NFL campaigns so far.
Chiefs superstar quarterback Patrick Mahomes subtly reacted to this big-time move on Sunday, re-posting the NFL’s social media announcement on X.
Before the Chiefs’ Super Bowl LIX loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, Spagnuolo referred to Bolton as his defense’s “Patrick Mahomes.”
“[Bolton] is our Patrick Mahomes — that’s what he means… to me.”
“He’s the piece, the key ingredient, just like Antonio Pierce when I was with the Giants in [2007],” the Kansas City defensive coordinator continued. “They’re that glue that holds everything together.”
Mahomes and the Chiefs leaned heavily on the Kansas City defensive throughout their 2024 campaign. The 29-year-old QB had some strong words of praise for his defense this past season.
Feb 9, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Nick Bolton (32) against the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LIX at Ceasars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
“We’ve won different ways. At the end of the day, our defense is playing their tail off, and I think people are starting to come to realize that even more,” Mahomes said back in October.
Now locked in with a new contract, Bolton and the Chiefs defense will look to continue their impressive play in 2025.
