Little is said about how important the Kansas City Chiefs defense was in carrying the offense for much of the season and even in the Super Bowl itself.
It’s common for the offense to be the franchise’s biggest concern, but KC’s front office is keeping a close eye on everything.
After L’Jarius Sneed’s departure, the linebacker position has lost some of its explosiveness – but remains consistent all the same.
The starting duo of Nick Bolton and Drue Tranquill are experienced and will handle the Chiefs’ front seven.
However, there is still uncertainty about Bolton’s future situation in the squad. He’s entering the final year of his rookie contract.
Potential outlook for Nick Bolton
Selected in the second round of the 2021 Draft, Bolton has established himself as an indispensable part of coordinator Steve Spagnuolo’s defense.
Kansas City has around US$15.4 million in cap space after trading Sneed to the Tennessee Titans, in addition to the other offseason moves.
So there is financial freedom to make a new offer to the linebacker.
Media network AtoZ Sports predicts that Bolton could sign a four-year contract worth $71.9 million, of which $32 million would be fully guaranteed.
Nick Bolton has other plans regarding his contract
Bolton, unlike many players who throw in the towel and get madly glued to their contracts, are keen to prepare for the season.
He spoke to The Draft Network about his status with the team and was direct in his statement.
“I don’t want to talk extension before training camp. I just want to focus on getting through this season,” said. “We have one goal in mind right now, and that’s being the first team to ever win three Super Bowls in a row. That’s our mindset.”
The obsession is to conquer the thre-peat.
“I’ll let my contract handle itself after our season. I want to just go out there and play the best football I can play. I’m hoping at the end of the year, we can say we’re the first team ever to win three in a row.” added the 24-year-old.
The University of Missouri product believes that his future in KC will depend on what happens this season: “It just adds motivation to my mindset.”.
Bolton has a considerable injury history given his short time in the NFL.
His debut year in the league was above average: three passes defended, a fumble recovered for a touchdown and 70 solo tackles.
The following year, he suffered a sprained ankle and missed three games. In 2023, he dislocated his wrist and had to have surgery that sidelined him for two months.
Bolton’s motivation for extending his stay in Kansas City
The linebacker’s lack of immediacy doesn’t mean he isn’t looking forward to sign his second contract with the Chiefs. Quite the opposite.
“We all work our butts off our entire lives to make it to the NFL. Once you get there, it starts being about that second contract. It just adds extra motivation for me to go out there and be who I am.”
Bolton probably wants to prove that he’s healthy and ready to play a full season without any unforeseen injuries.
“Hopefully at the end of the year, whenever the appropriate time comes, we’ll talk contract after we achieve our goals as a team,” he noted. “I’m just trying to control what I can control. Injuries, contract, that’s not within my control. I’m just going to be who I am when I’m on the field.”