Nick Bolton was going to receive plenty of free agent interest on the open market as one of the top available linebackers—that is, if he would have made it there. Instead, the Kansas City Chiefs stepped in and found a way to retain Bolton through the 2027 NFL season with a deal worth up to $45 million.

While Bolton is a productive and popular player, the position that he plays and some overall limitations in his skill set, have made responses to the announcement a bit mixed. Most fans seem positive on the whole, but reviews run the spectrum from various parts of Chiefs Kingdom. That makes an overview of reactions important to consider.

The most important angle of this deal for those who disapprove of the years or amount, which includes $30 million guaranteed, is that Bolton is more important to the Chiefs than anyone else. He serves as the defensive heart, the centerpiece of what defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo wants to do.

Given that the Chiefs were set to potentially lose Bolton and Justin Reid, perhaps the most important voice and leader in the secondary, the Chiefs were wise to get something done with one of them.

A great point was made here in that the NFL is a copycat league, so after watching Saquon Barkley dominate last season, teams are going to need stronger run defenders are drafting and planning for more vertical schemes in recent years.

Some fans are mixed on the matter, however, with an appreciation for Bolton overall but uncertain what to make of the price tag involved. Perhaps it feels like the defensive version of the “do we pay a running back?” debates.

Maybe Andy Reid is meddling here. Maybe not. Some fans seem to think so, but it’s important to note that everyone within the organization’s leadership seems to be in lockstep in terms of the Chiefs’ needs and goals. To think that Reid and general manager Brett Veach would want different things would be a curveball.

Still, there’s no pleasing some fans at all.

What’s needed here is a voice of reason to sort out the truth. Here’s an acknowledgement of all angles that could be argued with a wise summation of the bigger picture.

If it’s any consolation, the Denver Broncos were reportedly wanting in on Bolton’s services this offseason.