Nick Bolton staying with Chiefs, won’t hit free-agent market

Nick Bolton will not be on the list of potential linebackers from which the Denver Broncos can choose.

The veteran inside linebacker chose to eschew unrestricted free agency Sunday, agreeing on a three-year, $45-million extension, according to multiple reports.

Bolton is the second top-shelf inside linebacker to agree to remain with his team in recent days. Philadelphia’s Zack Baun chose to stay with the reigning Super Bowl champions on a three-year, $51-million contract Thursday.

The Broncos are widely believed to be looking at adding an inside linebacker in free agency after dealing with a season-ending injury to Alex Singleton during the 2024 campaign while struggling to contain the run as the year progressed.

The team’s issues on the ground grew in December and culminated in the playoff loss to the Buffalo, when the Bills gobbled up 41:43 of clock and amassed 210 rushing yards in grinding down Denver for a 31-7 defeat.

Potential free-agent targets remain available for the Broncos as the “legal-tampering” period begins Monday, highlighted by Jamien Sherwood of the New York Jets, a converted safety who added 22 pounds to move up to the second line of the defense. Sherwood has sideline-to-sideline range, can blitz and cover and has displayed excellent instincts as an ascending player.

But for any team that wanted Bolton, their plans will have to change.