The Kansas City Chiefs have dominated the AFC West for years, but the competition within the division is heating up.
The Los Angeles Chargers have been a consistent challenger, while the Denver Broncos made a surprising leap in 2024, securing their first playoff appearance since their Super Bowl-winning season in 2015.
Chiefs standout predicted to join Denver Broncos
With veteran head coach Sean Payton leading the charge and rookie quarterback Bo Nix on an affordable contract, Denver has a prime opportunity to spend aggressively in free agency.
One of their potential targets? A standout defender from the reigning Super Bowl champions.
According to ESPN’s Matt Bowen, Broncos defensive coordinator Vance Joseph could greatly benefit from adding Chiefs linebacker Nick Bolton to his unit.
“Bolton would be a big upgrade for Vance Joseph’s defense in Denver,”Bowen explained.
“Bolton fits with the Broncos as a downhill thumper against the run-he had 11 tackles for loss last season. In coverage, Bolton lacks elite second-level range, but he has four career interceptions.”
At just 24 years old, Bolton has already made a significant impact, helping Kansas City secure back-to-back Super Bowl titles.
Over his four-year career, he has accumulated 458 total tackles, 32 tackles for loss, five sacks, and 17 quarterback hits.
Pro Football Focus projects him to land a four-year, $60 million deal in free agency, with $40 million guaranteed.
That would make him one of the highest-paid linebackers in the league.
The Chiefs, however, may struggle to retain him.
Chiefs’ salary cap is their worst enemy in 2025
Kansas City enters the offseason with less than $1 million in cap space, ranking 23rd in the league.
Meanwhile, the Broncos have over $34 million available, giving them a clear advantage in a potential bidding war.
ESPN’s Adam Teicher reports that the Chiefs are “unlikely” to use the franchise tag on any of their free agents, further increasing the chances of Bolton testing the open market.
While Bolton’s strength lies in his physicality and run-stopping ability, some analysts have pointed out his limitations in pass coverage.
“Bolton is a bit stiff when flipping his hips and can get picked on at times in coverage, but he is an absolute bruiser coming forward in the run game,” PFF noted.
If the Broncos make a strong push, the Chiefs could find themselves in a difficult position, forced to watch a key defensive playmaker suit up for a division rival in 2025.
Read the full article here
