Nick Bolton: Everything you need to know

Bolton recorded 154 tackles (73 solo) including 1.0 sacks, six passes defensed, one interception and one forced fumble in 17 games with Kansas City in 2025. Bolton retained his role as the Chiefs' top linebacker after they signed him to a three-year, $45 million contract back in March, and he led the team in total tackles for the second straight year. In fact, his season tackle total was tied for the seventh-best in the league. He has reestablished himself as one of the better linebackers in the NFL and projects as a strong IDP option for 2026.

Bolton tallied 12 tackles (six solo) and an interception during the Chiefs' 20-13 loss to the Broncos on Thursday. Bolton finished Thursday's contest as the game's leading tackler and picked off Bo Nix late in the first quarter, which the Chiefs offense converted into a five-yard touchdown pass from Chris Oladokun to Brashard Smith 10 plays later. It was Bolton's first interception of the season and first pick since Week 15 of the 2024 season. Bolton has logged double-digit stops in five consecutive games and is up to 145 tackles (49 solo), including 1.0 sacks, six pass defenses and one forced fumble through 16 regular-season games.

Bolton (illness) is active for Thursday night's contest against Denver. Bolton was added to the injury report with an illness Wednesday, but he'll now ultimately be good to go for Week 17. The linebacker has compiled 44 total tackles (21 solo), including 1.0 sacks, while also adding two passes defensed over the last four games.