The top remaining linebacker in the 2025 free agent class will not reach the market. Nick Bolton has a new Chiefs agreement in place. 
This will be a three-year, $45MM pact, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports. The deal includes $30MM guaranteed and ensures Bolton will remain a focal point on Kansas City’s defense for the foreseeable future. One major piece of offseason business has been taken care of before the start of the new league year.
Bolton checked in at No. 10 on PFR’s Top 50 Free Agent List, finding himself as the top linebacker even when Zack Baun was on track to test the market. The latter re-signed with the Eagles after his stellar Philadelphia debut, and Bolton has now landed a lucrative new contract which will keep him in place. One day before his 25th birthday, he has secured a deal which ranks fourth at the position in average annual value.
A second-round pick in 2021, Bolton has started all but four games in his career. The Missouri product entrenched himself as a productive figure right away, notching 112 tackles as a rookie. Bolton has reached triple digits twice more since then, with his 2023 campaign being limited to eight games. With six pass deflections this past campaign, he demonstrated a playmaking ability against the pass as well as his run-stopping production.
As a result, it appeared as though a departure would be necessary for Bolton to secure a notable payday. Willie Gay left in free agency last offseason (albeit on a one-year deal), and losing Bolton this spring would have dealt another blow to the second level of Kansas City’s defense. Even with Trey Smith being retained via the franchise tag, though, the Chiefs have managed to keep the two-time Super Bowl winner in the fold.
Today’s news further limits the number of inside linebackers who will be available once free agency begins. Baun and Bolton are off the market, while Bobby Wagner (Commanders) and Lavonte David (Buccaneers) have re-upped with their respective teams on one-year deals. That could help the asking price for the remaining members of what is generally viewed as an underwhelming free agent class as the rest of the LB market takes shape.
The Chiefs were among the teams which entered Sunday above the salary cap, and with Joe Thuney set to be traded at the start of the new league year multiple questions loom along the offensive line. Kansas City’s attention will no doubt increasingly turn in that direction now that Bolton’s future has been worked out.
I didn’t think this was going to be possible, I’m glad they worked out a deal.
How much over the cap are they now?