As the Kansas City Chiefs make significant changes to their roster, the future of linebacker Nick Bolton is looking uncertain. After franchise-tagging Trey Smith and trading Joe Thuney, the Chiefs have set the stage for possible departures of key players, including Bolton. The recent moves have raised eyebrows among fans and analysts alike, especially as the Philadelphia Eagles have also made headlines with their signing of linebacker Zack Baun to a hefty contract.
What’s Happening with Nick Bolton?
Nick Bolton has been an essential player for the Chiefs, delivering strong performances over the past four seasons. However, the franchise’s decisions have complicated his contract situation. With Bolton’s expected salary exceeding Spotrac’s projection of four years for $49.25 million, the Chiefs’ recent actions lead many to speculate about his future with the team.
Chiefs’ Tough Roster Decisions
On February 28, 2025, the Chiefs franchise-tagged Trey Smith, which ensures he remains with the team for at least another year. Just a week later, they traded Joe Thuney to the Chicago Bears, opening up cap space but also highlighting the team’s strategic shifts. These choices suggest the front office is looking for ways to balance financial concerns while maintaining a competitive edge.
The Impact of the Eagles’ Move
The Eagles signed Zack Baun for three years at a staggering $51 million, putting additional pressure on the Chiefs regarding Bolton’s potential re-signing. Baun, though having only had one standout season, now seems to have set a benchmark that may push the Chiefs toward reevaluating their strategy with Bolton. His consistent performance over several seasons makes him a desirable player in the league.
The Dallas Cowboys Are Watching
In addition to the Chiefs and Eagles, the Dallas Cowboys have turned their attention toward Nick Bolton. They are reportedly considering him as a solution to address the inside linebacker position, especially given their recent roster restructures that freed up cap space for new signings. Bolton’s ties to Texas, where he played high school football near the Cowboys’ facility, could make this a natural fit.
The Raiders Eyeing Bolton?
Meanwhile, the Las Vegas Raiders are also eyeing Bolton, given their need for a strong run-stuffing linebacker. With Robert Spillane’s uncertain future in Las Vegas, Bolton’s capabilities, highlighted by his record of over 100 tackles in three of his four seasons, make him an attractive target. His strategic skills in reading plays, quickness, and tackling technique are qualities that the Raiders might find hard to resist.
Where Does This Leave Bolton?
With all these changes swirling around, Nick Bolton finds himself in a precarious position. The uncertainty brought on by the Chiefs’ recent roster moves, combined with the interest from other teams, particularly the Cowboys and Raiders, places Bolton’s career in a defining moment. As teams scramble to fill gaps on their rosters, it remains to be seen whether the Chiefs will be able to retain Bolton or if he will be moving on to a new opportunity.
More Kansas City Chiefs News and Rumors
Fans will undoubtedly want to keep an eye on this situation as it unfolds. The Kansas City Chiefs continue to navigate through a phase of potential key departures and new signings that could greatly impact their chances next season. Only time will tell how this saga for Nick Bolton will play out in a rapidly changing NFL landscape.
