4. Nick Bolton, LB
Nick Bolton has developed into a top-15 linebacker over the first four seasons of his career. The former second-round pick flies and has a knack for making big plays. In 2024, Bolton recorded 106 tackles, 11 TFLs, three sacks, seven QB hits, two fumble recoveries, one forced fumble, and one interception.
Although Bolton's tackle numbers were down, he still had the second-best year of his career. Having a force with the play-making ability and speed of Bolton in the middle of the field is a huge asset for Kansas City. That said, Bolton's rookie contract is now up, which means he will enter free agency on March 12.
Bolton is expected to have a decently sized market if Kansas City is unable to get a deal done before then. Even so, the Chiefs must do everything they can to retain him. Kansas City is already expected to lose All-Pro right guard Trey Smith to a record-setting deal in free agency.
Losing out on Bolton as well would mean the Chiefs lose two top-end players, which may be par for the course with the level of talent they possess. Still, the Chiefs need to do everything they can to keep good players on their team. It's not unreasonable to assume Bolton will be back in Kansas City next year if they have the means to retain him.