{"id":221588,"date":"2025-03-09T17:00:27","date_gmt":"2025-03-09T21:00:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/?p=221588"},"modified":"2025-03-09T16:38:23","modified_gmt":"2025-03-09T20:38:23","slug":"chris-jones-sends-2-word-message-after-chiefs-make-45-million-decision","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2025\/03\/09\/chris-jones-sends-2-word-message-after-chiefs-make-45-million-decision\/","title":{"rendered":"Chris Jones Sends 2-Word Message After Chiefs Make $45 Million Decision"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>The Kansas City Chiefs are coming off a disappointing showing in Super Bowl LIX against the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/category\/nfl-teams\/eagles\/\" target=\"_self\">Philadelphia Eagles<\/a>.\u00a0 There is work yet to be done for them to return to their previous heights. Part of the Chiefs\u2019 plan included retaining linebacker <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2021\/05\/15\/kansas-city-chiefs-nick-bolton-joshua-kaindoh\/\" target=\"_self\">Nick Bolton<\/a> in free agency. Bolton, 25, was set to be a premier free agent.<\/p>\n<p>Instead, he returns to Kansas City and the Chiefs on a three-year, $45 million contract. The deal includes $30 million guaranteed, <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/RapSheet\/status\/1898802136458183013\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">per NFL Network\u2019s Ian Rapoport<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>The decision went over very well with Chiefs defensive lineman <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2025\/02\/25\/chiefs-jones-message-kelce-retirement-gray\/\" target=\"_self\">Chris Jones<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2>Chris Jones Sends 2-Word Message After Chiefs Re-Sign Nick Bolton<\/h2>\n<h3>Chiefs&#8217; Decision Well-Received by Chris Jones<\/h3>\n<p>\u201cLet\u2019s gooooooo!\u201d <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/StoneColdJones\/status\/1898824042981085349\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Jones posted<\/a> on X on March 9 in reaction to the news his Super Bowl champion teammate was returning, quoting a post that featured a graphic of Bolton.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Let\u2019s gooooooo! \ud83e\udd1f\ud83c\udffe\ud83d\udcaa\ud83c\udffe <a  href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/k4P4OGlD8e\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">https:\/\/t.co\/k4P4OGlD8e<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&mdash; Chris Jones (@StoneColdJones) <a  href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/StoneColdJones\/status\/1898824042981085349?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">March 9, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p>Bolton recorded 100-plus tackles for the third time in four seasons. He finished the 2024 regular campaign with 106 total stops, 11 tackles for loss, 6 pass deflections, 3.0 sacks, 2 fumble recoveries, 1 forced, and 1 interception.<\/p>\n<p>Since entering the league, Bolton ranks <a href=\"https:\/\/stathead.com\/tiny\/DK3Dv\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">19th in combined tackles<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/stathead.com\/tiny\/ZobXg\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">16th in solos<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>The Chiefs traded guard <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2025\/03\/05\/joe-thuney-trade-teven-jenkins-free-agent-chicago-bears\/\" target=\"_self\">Joe Thuney<\/a>. However, they have also re-signed wide receiver <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2024\/03\/22\/2024-fantasy-football-marquise-brown-dynasty-outlook\/\" target=\"_self\">Marquise Brown<\/a> (this offseason) and extended Jones last offseason.<\/p>\n<h3>Nick Bolton Beats Projected AAV on New Chiefs Contract<\/h3>\n<p>A second-round pick (No. 58 overall) by the Chiefs in the 2021 NFL Draft, Bolton was on a <a href=\"https:\/\/overthecap.com\/player\/nick-bolton\/9522\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">four-year, $5.8 million rookie-scale contract<\/a>. More than just a raise, Bolton\u2019s new deal with the Chiefs beats the four-year, $49 million pact <a href=\"https:\/\/www.spotrac.com\/nfl\/player\/market-value\/_\/id\/72438\/nick-bolton\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Spotrac projected for him<\/a> entering free agency.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">NICK BOLTON CALLED GAME \ud83d\ude24 <a  href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/cg47tpVK8T\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">pic.twitter.com\/cg47tpVK8T<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&mdash; Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) <a  href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/Chiefs\/status\/1838055793762963661?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">September 23, 2024<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p>Bolton also outdid The Athletic\u2019s forecast for him.<\/p>\n<p>The Athletic\u2019s Davis DeChant, Jourdan Rodrigue, and Vic Tafur (fittingly) ranked Bolton the No. 32 overall free agent and LB4 heading into the offseason.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cBolton has physical limitations \u2014 he\u2019s sawed-off (5-foot-11 with arms under 32 inches) and lacks overpowering strength or blazing speed \u2014 but he\u2019s still above average in several areas. He\u2019s been a key piece in <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2024\/10\/15\/jets-haason-reddick-trade\/\" target=\"_self\">Steve Spagnuolo<\/a>\u2019s complex disguises and pressure schemes, whether as a blitzer, QB spy, zone dropper or man-to-man cover defender. He has good instincts, including awareness in coverage that compensates for his lack of speed and length, and is an excellent tackler in space,\u201d <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/6119321\/2025\/02\/24\/nfl-2025-free-agent-rankings-best-available\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">The Athletic\u2019s staff wrote<\/a> in February.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe top of the linebacker market is sparse, with three players making at least $18 million annually and no others over $14.2 million. Bolton should reach eight figures, though he might not top <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2024\/03\/12\/patrick-queen-signs-contract-steelers\/\" target=\"_self\">Patrick Queen<\/a>\u2019s three-year, $41 million deal signed last spring.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Bolton and Jones are two foundational pieces for the Chiefs, and both are secured for years to come.<\/p>\n<h3>Chiefs Deliver Blow to AFC West Rival\u2019s Offseason Hopes<\/h3>\n<p>Bolton\u2019s re-signing will have a ripple effect across the league. It takes one of the top options off the board before the legal tampering period begins on Monday, March 10. It may have even been a striking blow to their AFC West rival, the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/category\/nfl-teams\/broncos\/\" target=\"_self\">Denver Broncos<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cFrom talking to sources, the Broncos had real interest in signing Nick Bolton if he fit free agency,\u201d <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/ZacStevensDNVR\/status\/1898802873720529393\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">DNVR Broncos\u2019 Zac Stevens reported<\/a> on X on March 10.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThis one is tough for the Broncos.\u201d<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Nick Bolton is a name to watch for the Broncos when free agency opens next week \ud83d\udc40 <a  href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/Eu2OfJcOeu\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">pic.twitter.com\/Eu2OfJcOeu<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&mdash; DNVR Broncos (@DNVR_Broncos) <a  href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/DNVR_Broncos\/status\/1897771057399923148?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">March 6, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p>\u201cWelp. Another option for Broncos ILB need off the table,\u201d <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/mikeklis9news\/status\/1898805324083265632\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">9News\u2019 Mike Klis posted<\/a> on X on March 9. \u201cFirst,<a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2024\/10\/05\/zack-baun-is-a-bright-spot-in-the-eagles-defense\/\" target=\"_self\">[Zack] Baun<\/a> ($17m per) then Bolton ($15m). Still a few good ones available. <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2025\/02\/17\/chargers-among-potential-dre-greenlaw-landing-spots\/\" target=\"_self\">[Dre] Greenlaw<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2024\/11\/04\/buffalo-bills-rumors-2024-nfl-trade-deadline-news\/\" target=\"_self\">[Robert] Spillane<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2021\/04\/20\/jamien-sherwood-nfl-draft-profile\/\" target=\"_self\">[Jamien] Sherwood<\/a>. But two biggies stay put.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The Chiefs can celebrate this move that helps fuel their march for 2025.<\/p>\n<p><em>Main Photo: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Kansas City Chiefs are coming off a disappointing showing in Super Bowl LIX against the Philadelphia Eagles.\u00a0 There is work yet to be done for them to return to their previous heights. Part of the Chiefs\u2019 plan included retaining linebacker Nick Bolton in free agency. Bolton, 25, was set to be a premier free [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2879,"featured_media":221589,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","sfio_featured_image":false,"sfio_embed_code":"","_ef_editorial_meta_date_first-draft-date":"","_ef_editorial_meta_paragraph_assignment":"","_ef_editorial_meta_checkbox_needs-photo":"","_ef_editorial_meta_number_word-count":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[16],"tags":[7811,298,7305,7864],"class_list":["post-221588","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-chiefs","tag-chiefs-featured","tag-chris-jones","tag-denver-broncos-news","tag-nick-bolton"],"modified_by":"Josh Buckhalter","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/221588","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2879"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=221588"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/221588\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":221590,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/221588\/revisions\/221590"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/221589"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=221588"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=221588"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=221588"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}