Just weeks after their disappointing 40-22 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LIX, the Kansas City Chiefs are heading into an offseason filled with uncertainty. While much of the attention is on Travis Kelce’s potential retirement, another key player could be on the move-linebacker Nick Bolton.
Bolton, a defensive cornerstone for the Chiefs, has reportedly drawn interest from a major AFC rival: the Cincinnati Bengals. According to Bovada Sportsbook, Kansas City remains the favorite to retain him at -135 odds, but Cincinnati is closing in at +225. The Denver Broncos are also in the mix at +400.
Bengals emerge as serious contenders
The Bengals‘ interest in Bolton comes as no surprise. With linebacker Germaine Pratt requesting a trade, Cincinnati has a clear need for reinforcements. Bolton, who racked up 106 tackles, three sacks, and an interception in 2024, would be a major upgrade for a defense that struggled with tackling and consistency throughout the season.
Tough decisions ahead for Kansas City
Bolton isn’t the only key player the Chiefs could lose this offseason. Kansas City has several big-name free agents, including Charles Omenihu, Justin Reid, Trey Smith, DeAndre Hopkins, JuJu Smith-Schuster, Kareem Hunt, Marquise “Hollywood” Brown, and Derrick Nnadi. With limited cap space, the Chiefs may have to make some difficult choices, and Bolton’s potential departure could shake up their defensive plans moving forward.
As the offseason progresses, all eyes will be on Bolton and whether the Chiefs can hold off a major push from one of their biggest AFC rivals.
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