3 Pending 2025 Free Agents the Chiefs Should Find Replacements For in NFL Draft

3. Nick Bolton - LB

It's no secret how much Steve Spagnuolo and the Chiefs' coaching staff loves Nick Bolton, though he'll likely require a massive contract extension to keep him in Kansas City after this season. Even if just as a leverage play, it'd be wise for the organization to get a potential replacement in this year's draft.

In my most recent mock draft, I had the Chiefs taking Jaylan Ford out of Texas to be that understudy, and I love what Drue Tranquill brings to the team as well. Bolton is one of the most important players in this Chiefs dynasty, so I'd be stunned if Veach didn't at least have some kind of backup plan if Bolton prices himself out of Kansas City.

Bolton has a knack for performing his best in the biggest moments. In his three years with the organization, he's established himself as one of the NFL's premier linebackers.

He has 352 career tackles, 21 tackles for loss, nine deflected passes and even three interceptions. That being said, the Chiefs defense didn't miss a beat when Bolton went down with an injury this season.

Veach will ultimately need to decide if Bolton is worth a $100 million (or more) extension, so it's wise to have a contingency plan in place.

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