AFC Rival Heats Up: Raiders and Rival Team Engage in High-Stakes Game of Free Agency to…
Could the Las Vegas Raiders be a landing spot for one of the Kansas City Chiefs’ best players this offseason?
That could be the case according to Pro Football Focus.
On Tuesday, PFF named the Raiders as a potential landing spot this offseason for Chiefs linebacker Nick Bolton.
Bolton, a former Missouri Tigers standout who has spent the first four years of his NFL career with the Chiefs, is set to be a free agent when the new league year begins in March.
(The Tennessee Titans were also named by PFF as a potential landing spot for Bolton this offseason.)
From PFF: With Robert Spillane’s contract set to expire this offseason, the Raiders face the difficult decision of whether to extend the 29-year-old linebacker. Armed with ample cap space, Vegas could opt to invest in a younger option that emulates a similar skill set as a strong downhill run stopper in Bolton. Raiders defensive coordinator Patrick Graham is familiar with Bolton’s game, as they’ve played against each other in the AFC West, which could ease the investment required to bring in the 25-year-old.
The Chiefs would love to keep Bolton in Kansas City, but that will be tough as he’ll be one of the top linebackers available in free agency.
Kansas City also has to figure out if they’re going to re-sign offensive lineman Trey Smith, who could become one of the highest paid guards in the NFL this offseason.
SI.com NFL insider Albert Breer thinks it will be difficult for the Chiefs to keep either player.
“I think it’s going to be a challenge to keep either guy and, to be clear, that’s not due to any lack of love either one has from the people running the show,” wrote Breer about Bolton and Smith recently. “The trouble is that it’s going to be tough to keep either guy off the market, since Smith’s franchise tag figure will be based on what the top tackles make, and Bolton’s tag number will be based on what high-end edge rushers make (which is why off-ball linebackers and interior offensive linemen routinely make it to the market); and the Chiefs have a lot of mouths to feed.”
Bolton is just two years removed from a 180 tackle season. And he’s spent the last four seasons in a championship-winning environment. He would absolutely be a massive addition to the Raiders’ roster (and Las Vegas wouldn’t have to worry about facing him twice a season anymore).
The Raiders are expected to have the second most cap space available in the NFL this offseason, so they certainly have the ability to make some splash signings. Landing Bolton to replace Robert Spillane would be a significant upgrade (Bolton is four years younger than Spillane) for Las Vegas.
