The Kansas City Chiefs top impending free agent linebacker Nick Bolton may leave for the Ravens, Chargers next year. According to ESPN, there are plenty of key players from the Chiefs that will be a free agent, including Guard Trey Smith as one of them. It may be harder to re-sign Smith to a new deal since he’ll demand a pricey contract but signing Bolton may be in their price range. However, it shouldn’t surprise anyone if they prioritize Smith since they want to allocate as many pass protectors for quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
The Chiefs brought in former Patriots Josh Uche in a trade this year so that move might’ve been a signal that Bolton isn’t a part of their long-term plans. Originally selected in the 2021 NFL Draft, the two-time Super Bowl champion has established himself as one of the better middle linebackers, posting 240 tackles over the past two years. Bolton would be more productive last season but missed time due to injuries. He was still a disruptor for the team’s defense so as long as he stays healthy, his market should increase.
This is something to watch since Bolton may demand the same contract as Smith. The Chiefs may have to make a tough decision but they have plenty of defensive pieces, including Uche who could easily be the replacement. However, they want to keep as many talented athletes on their roster. The Ravens, Chargers could fight for this linebacker especially since has abilities like being a downhill hammer which is something every team strives for in a defense.
Chiefs Top Impending Free Agent Nick Bolton May Leave for Ravens, Chargers
Helping Baltimore’s Defense
The Baltimore Ravens still have one of the best offenses despite losing a heartbreaking divisional loss against the Steelers. Lamar Jackson had an off day which is normal for any elite quarterback but the defense was unsuccessful in holding it down. They allowed Russell Wilson to drain the clock and the defense needed to step up big time to give the offense one more chance in the fourth quarter but was unable to do so. The Ravens may be 7-4 but they look better than what the record shows on paper.
It’ll be up to guys like Odafe Oweh and David Ojabo to hold their end of the stick to keep this defense on balance. Kyle Van Noy and Roquan Smith could effectively be better if they had another experienced veteran in the locker room. Bolton may not be a veteran but he has plenty of Super Bowl experience which could leverage this defense into a legitimate caliber pass-rushing front. Baltimore lost Jadeveon Clowney, Patrick Queen and Geno Stone so adding a guy like Bolton should be an excellent replacement.
The Harbaugh Vision
Jim Harbaugh will love the running game for plenty of seasons as long as he’s the head coach for the Chargers. However, he has that same passion for winning football games in the trenches. Khalil Mack is set to be a free agent this season and it’ll become difficult to re-sign him being that he’s a highly productive athlete. Meanwhile, this would leave Joey Bosa alone as somewhat of a decent pass rusher if he can be healthy.
Los Angeles might be the first-round exit as the new regime might go through a growing pain under Harbaugh. Bolton isn’t the immediate answer but it sets the Chargers up for something special in the long run. The Chargers need more defensive pieces and Bolton should become the immediate starter as soon as he signs.
