The Kansas City Chiefs could be in a situation where they will have to overpay linebacker Nick Bolton to keep continuity with their defense for the 2024 season. Fans are worried about overpaying Bolton.

The Kansas City Chiefs have a few decisions to make on defense

Dec 10, 2023; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones (95) reacts on the sideline during the second half against the Buffalo Bills at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports
The Chiefs have several contracts on the defense they need to figure out in an offseason where they don’t have much money to play with (about $15 million, per Over The Cap). The biggest contract is for defensive tackle Chris Jones, who could hit free agency next month if a long-term deal is signed before the start of the league’s new year.

LB Nick Bolton could be extended for defensive stability

Sep 24, 2023; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Willie Gay (50) celebrates after receiving a fumble against the Chicago Bears during the first half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Per Nate Taylor with The Athletic, the Chiefs must consider extending Bolton this offseason because Willie Gay is headed to free agency:

“A major subplot once free agency and the draft conclude is whether the Chiefs can extend their top 2021 draft pick before he starts the final year of his rookie contract. Bolton is the Chiefs’ green-dot defender — the one who communicates with the sideline through his helmet — and he recorded the franchise’s most tackles in a single season in 2022 with 180. Coordinator Steve Spagnuolo has also called Bolton one of the most intelligent defenders he has coached in his 25 years in the NFL.

Even before free agency starts, the Chiefs appear to be losing starting linebacker Willie Gay, who said goodbye to fans through his X (formerly Twitter) account.

“Love you FOREVER Kansas City!!!” Gay wrote. “JUICEMAN OUT.”

Drue Tranquill, a five-year veteran, wants to return to the Chiefs in his do-everything role opposite of linebacker Leo Chenal. If that occurs, the Chiefs will still have a talented trio of linebackers. But they should still try to sign Bolton to an extension to ensure they are not in the same situation with him they are in now with Sneed.”

Chiefs fans react to the thought of extending Bolton

Feb 11, 2024; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Kansas City Chiefs safety Mike Edwards (21) and linebacker Nick Bolton (32) tackle San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jauan Jennings (15) during the third quarter of Super Bowl LVIII at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Bolton’s name trended on X Thursday afternoon. Many fans are worried about overpaying Bolton to stay with the Chiefs, especially if that means they lose L’Jarius Sneed. Here are the best takes on Chiefs fans reacting to Taylor’s suggestion.