Chiefs Linebacker Nick Bolton Expects Top NFL Defense in 2025

Nick Bolton, entering his fifth season with the Kansas City Chiefs, is a key figure in the team's defense and has expressed strong confidence that the Chiefs can become the No. 1 defense in the NFL in 2025. Despite a solid defense in recent years, including a second-place finish in 2023, Bolton emphasized the need for improvements in takeaways and creating negative-yardage plays. Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, who returned with the coaching staff, praised Bolton as the 'Patrick Mahomes' of the defense, highlighting his importance to the team. The Chiefs retained most defensive starters and added promising rookies like Omarr Norman-Lott and Ashton Gillotte to bolster the pass rush, along with cornerback Kristian Fulton to strengthen the secondary. Bolton recently secured a three-year, $45 million contract extension with the Chiefs, reflecting mutual commitment and optimism about building on past success. The defense's continuity, combined with fresh talent and Bolton's leadership, positions the Chiefs as strong championship contenders on the defensive side of the ball.