Much has been made about the withering of the Kansas City Chiefs’ offensive line, especially after the barrage of pressure the Philadelphia Eagles achieved on Patrick Mahomes in Super Bowl LIX, but Steve Spagnuolo’s defense also wilted in a big way at the worst possible time.
It’s difficult to envision the Chiefs’ line being any stronger in 2025 than it was in 2024, after trading Joe Thuney to the Chicago Bears, even though Kansas City was able to retain Trey Smith.
However, at least one move on defense may help spark a resurgence for Spagnuolo’s defense in 2025.
Kansas City Chiefs Praised for Nick Bolton Signing
Pro Football Focus’ Mason Cameron put together a list of each team’s best and worst signings of free agency, so far, including praise for the Chiefs keeping linebacker Nik Bolton.
“Restructuring Patrick Mahomes‘ deal allowed the Chiefs to retain Bolton,” Cameron points out for PFF. “And they did so at a very reasonable contract value. While his past two seasons weren’t as efficient as his first two, he remains a key piece of Kansas City’s defense and fully understands Steve Spagnuolo’s scheme and how it functions at the highest level.”
The Chiefs committing $60 million over the next four years, keeps a key veteran leadership voice and steady playmaker at the heart of the defense.
Last season, Bolton logged six sacks while adding 13 quarterback pressures and 81 total tackles, the 25-year-old always seems to be around the football, and could be key to the defense returning to form for Kansas City in 2025.
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