A resurgent NFL trend makes the Kansas City Chiefs' decision to re-sign LB Nick Bolton look very smart
After months of hearing very little from either side, the Kansas City Chiefs and linebacker Nick Bolton agreed to a three-year $45 million contract on Sunday. Bolton is now the fourth-highest paid middle LB in the NFL behind Roquan Smith, Fred Warner, and Tremaine Edmunds. It's a good deal for both sides as Bolton is among the […]
After months of hearing very little from either side, the Kansas City Chiefs and linebacker Nick Bolton agreed to a three-year $45 million contract on Sunday.
Bolton is now the fourth-highest paid middle LB in the NFL behind Roquan Smith, Fred Warner, and Tremaine Edmunds. It's a good deal for both sides as Bolton is among the top compensated LBs, but Kansas City didn't have to break the bank by resetting the market to keep him, which is rare for a 24-year-old player.
The Chiefs can now scratch the LB position off their list of needs as they have a solid starting trio of Bolton, Leo Chenal, and Drue Tranquill. Bolton and Chenal are both very good against the run, while Tranquill is their best coverage LB. The main criticism for Bolton is that he has been a liability against the pass.
That has been true at times, but not as often as some believe. According to Pro Football Focus, Bolton ranked 40th out of 189 qualifying LBs in coverage, which is pretty solid. The Chiefs are probably willing to live with him being average in pass defense, especially considering he is a force against the run.
Not long ago, defenses weren't very concerned about rushing attacks. The NFL had become "a passing league" and running backs' roles were being diminished. However, running games have seen a resurgence over the past couple of years, led by guys such as Saquon Barkley and Derrick Henry.
Teams averaged nearly 120 rushing yards per game on average in 2024, the second-highest total since 1988, and the sixth-highest ranked rushing offenses all made the playoffs. Athletic quarterbacks who run well and college schematics that have entered the league as of late have also enhanced rushing attacks.
That gives LBs like Bolton much more value. Kansas City defeated two very good running teams in the Houston Texans and Buffalo Bills in the playoffs last season. If the Chiefs can sure up the defensive tackle position behind Chris Jones, they could have one of the best defensive front sevens in the league.
